ACLS Cardiac Arrest VTach and VFib Algorithm
- Perform the initial assessment
- Perform high-quality CPR
- Establish an airway and provide oxygen to keep oxygen saturation > 94%
- Monitor the victim’s heart rhythm and blood pressure
- If the patient is in VTach or VFib, this IS a shockable rhythm
- Apply defibrillator pads (or paddles) and shock the patient with 120-200 Joules on a biphasic defibrillator or 360 Joules using a monophasic.
- Continue High Quality CPR for 2 minutes (while others are attempting to establish IV or IO access).
- After 2 minutes of CPR, check rhythm
- If the monitor and assessment show asystole or PEA, move to Asystole/ PEA algorithm
- Give epinephrine 1 mg every 3-5 minutes
- Continue High Quality CPR for 2 minutes (while others are attempting to establish IV or IO access).
- After 2 minutes of CPR, check rhythm
- If needed, administer shock
- Amiodarone IV 300 mg (preferable to lidocaine); May repeat 150 mg OR may use lidocaine 1-1.5 mg/kg
- After 2 minutes of CPR, check rhythm
- If needed, administer shock
- If the patient attains Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC), provide Post Cardiac Arrest Care
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