A 75 year old male experienced a syncopal episode. The event was witnessed by family members who contacted 9-1-1. On arrival of EMS personnel the patient appears acutely ill. He is pale, diaphoretic and cool to touch. He states that he is feeling lightheaded and weak.
Medical History
It’s 06:30 when EMS is called to an inner-city apartment for an 18-year-old male having a seizure. After gaining entry into the building, Paramedics and First Responders trudge up two flights of stairs and down a narrow, dimly lit hallway, until they find an open door into a dark two-bedroom apartment.
EMS (with physician on board) is dispatched to a 42-year-old male with a chief complaint of chest pain and “possible heart attack.”
The patient is found lying on the couch. He appears to be reasonably comfortable and indicates that “the pain has eased a bit” since EMS was contacted.
Ventricular Fibrillation is considered the most favorable cardiac arrest rhythm, and if treated promptly can result in ROSC with a favorable neurological outcome. Most survival rates are reported using witnessed arrest with a shockable rhythm as opposed to asystole or PEA, as the outcomes of these rhythms are comparatively very poor.
