Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) and Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (pVT).
Providing supplemental oxygen and monitoring ventilation quality, often through waveform capnography (EtCO2).
For shockable rhythms, immediate electrical therapy is the most critical intervention to restore a perfusing rhythm. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - P...
Establishing IV/IO access, administering fluids/medications, and monitoring CPR quality.
Providers must rapidly identify four primary cardiac arrest rhythms: If the patient achieves , the focus shifts to stabilization
Essential medications include Epinephrine (to increase coronary perfusion) and anti-arrhythmics like Amiodarone or Lidocaine for persistent VF/pVT. The ACLS Survey (A-B-C-D)
Maintaining patency via basic maneuvers or advanced tools (endotracheal tubes, supraglottic devices). If the patient achieves
If the patient achieves , the focus shifts to stabilization. This includes targeted temperature management, blood pressure support, and immediate cardiac catheterization if a myocardial infarction is suspected. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) , these standardized protocols are updated regularly (most recently in 2025) to incorporate the latest evidence-based science.