Pulseless VF/VT Part 1


Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia and
Ventricular Fibrillation


The Rhythms
·         Ventricular Tachycardia
·         Ventricular Fibrillation
·         Torsades de Pointe

 

Ventricular Tachycardia characteristics













·         Rate: The atrial rate can't be determined. The ventricular rate is 150 - 250. If the rate is below 150, it is called a slow VT
·         Rhythm: The rhythm is usually regular.
·         P Wave: Not usually visible.
·         PRI: There is no PRI, as the focus is ventricular.
·         QRS: The QRS is wide and bizarre, usually 0.12 or greater. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between QRS complexes and T waves.
·         S-T Segment: Difficult, if not impossible to see.
·         T Waves: Difficult to differentiate T waves from QRS complexes

 

Ventricular Fibrillation Characteristics















·         Rate: None
·         Rhythm: None. The baseline is irregular and totally chaotic
·         P Wave: None are visible.
·         PRI: There is no PRI.
·         QRS: None
·         S-T Segment: None: None
·         T Waves: None

Torsades de Pointe Characteristics















·         Rate: None
·         Rhythm: None. The baseline is irregular beginning with small amplitude waveforms at the beginning which increase in size and then decrease in amplitude once again
·         P Wave: None are visible.
·         PRI: There is no PRI.
·         QRS: None
·         S-T Segment: None
·         T Waves: None

 

Primary Survey- ABCs

·         Assess responsiveness and breathing
·         Active EMS system and call for defibrillator/monitor
·         Check pulse
·         Start CPR beginning with chest compressions
Note:  The foundation of ACLS care is good BLS care, beginning with prompt high-quality bystander CPR and, for VF/pulseless VT, attempted defibrillation within minutes of collapse. For victims of witnessed VF arrest, prompt bystander CPR and early defibrillation can significantly increase the chance for survival to hospital discharge.  In adults with a prolonged arrest, shock delivery may be more successful after a period of effective chest compressions.

 

Attempt Defibrillation











·         Deliver one shock at 120-200J biphasic or 360 monophasic
·         Follow defibrillation with a period of uninterrupted CPR beginning with chest compressions
·         After 2 minutes (5 cycles of CPR), then recheck the victim’s rhythm.

 

Note:  When VF is present for more than a few minutes, the myocardium is depleted of oxygen and metabolic substrates. A brief period of chest compressions can deliver oxygen and energy substrates, increasing the likelihood that a profusing rhythm will return after defibrillation (elimination of VF).
If the provider is unaware of the effective dose range of the device, the rescuer may use a dose of 200 J for the first shock and an equal or higher shock dose for the second and subsequent shocks
If VF is initially terminated by a shock but then recurs later in the arrest, deliver subsequent shocks at the previously successful energy level

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