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 (5 hours 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