Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation shows chaotic, irregular electrical activity with no identifiable QRS complexes. The heart quivers and produces no effective cardiac output. The patient is pulseless and unresponsive, and defibrillation is the definitive treatment.
Ventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia presents as a rapid, wide-complex rhythm, often above 150 beats per minute. Some patients have a pulse and may be conscious, while others are pulseless. Pulseless VT is treated like VF with CPR and defibrillation.
EMT Actions
If the patient is pulseless, start CPR and apply an AED as soon as possible. If a pulse is present and the patient is unstable with low blood pressure, chest pain, or altered mental status, request advanced life support and support the patient with oxygen. Frequent reassessment is essential, because the rhythm can degrade quickly.