En route to the royal infirmary Naveed loses consciousness and the cardiac monitor shows Ventricular Fibrillation (VF). The cardiac monitor also shows that Naveed’s other cardiac observations have deteriorated and the alarm has been activated.
Paramedics note that Naveed has developed VF and begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Following a single 150 Joules (J) shock, sinus rhythm is restored and Naveed regains consciousness. Here are links to resuscitation council guidelines for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support algorithm (ALS).
- Resuscitation Council (UK): ALS algorithm [PDF]
- Resuscitation Council (UK): BLS Guidelines (PDF)
Pulse point
VF is a chaotic ventricular rhythmn where there is no co-ordinated electrical activity and therefore no cardiac output, this means the person has no pulse and cannot therefore have a recordable BP. Patients who develop VF will rapidly lose consciousness and will die unless appropriate resuscitation is started immediately.
VF can be precipitated by acute myocardial ischaemia or infarction and it is therefore important for patients with chest pain to be put on a cardiac monitor as soon as possible.
Page last reviewed: 12 Jun 2020
