Suggest Treatment For Ventricular Fibrillation

Posted on Sun, 17 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 17 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been a paramedic for 25+ years and this patient presentation always troubles me.... A patient in v-fib that is refractory to defibrillation, that stays in "course" v-fib, never converts (they gave him 26 shocks and a total of 12 doses of 1mg Epi), he is transported to the ER where they call it within 2 minutes of arrival. Pt has no medical hx other than HTN. Is there too much ACLS? How would want this patient managed?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (-10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your query...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through the patient case you presented. I can say that ACLS will continue until:
-the vital signs of patient are still present
- the physical resources of the medical team last

If I was his caring doctor would do the same
- Add bicarbonate
- administer atropine in case of asystolia

Hope it helped!
Dr Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D