Emergency Medicine 201 Cardiac Arrest Pharmacotherapy ACLS Algorithm: Shockable Rhythms (Ventricular Fibrillation and Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia)

Ventricular Fibrillation/Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia Algorithm:

  • Perform immediate 200 continuous chest compressions
  • Defibrillate at maximum energy level per manufacturer
  • Resume chest compressions for 2 minutes
  • Defibrillate again if still in VF/VT
  • Give epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO
  • Continue cycle of chest compressions, rhythm check every 2 minutes, defibrillation if indicated, epinephrine every 3-5 minutes
  • Consider antiarrhythmic after failed shocks (amiodarone, lidocaine)
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