Treatment for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias
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In this edition of the CTSNet podcast, The Lifeline, host and nurse educator Jill Ley, Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing, Founder of the Essentials of Cardiac Surgical Resuscitation, and former Cardiac Surgery Clinical Nurse Specialist at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA, USA, speaks with expert guest T. Sloane Guy, Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery at the Georgia Heart Institute. Together, they delve into crisis management after minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:19 Min Inv Approach vs Protocol 03:06 Potential Emergencies, Bleeding 06:44 Adjusting Bleeding Parameters 09:56 Limb Ischemia 11:10 Cardiac Arrest 13:35 Pacing vs Sternotomy 15:07 Arrythmias, Defibrillation 15:51 Tamponade 16:49 Tension Pneumothorax 17:05 Stroke 17:50 Myocardial Infarction 18:27 Bleeding in Pleural Space 19:24 Nurse Response to Bleeding 21:53 Case of Persistent Bleeding 22:48 Chest X-Ray Check 24:22 LV Dysfunction in Post-Op Period The discussion covers critical topics such as the cardiac surgical resuscitation algorithm, managing port-side and groin bleeding, and Dr. Guys' protocols for these situations. They emphasize the importance of monitoring for bleeding in unexpected areas, such as the abdomen, checking pulses, and the significance of practicing with surgical saws before emergencies arise. Additional topics include tamponade, stroke management, the importance of pacing, chest wall bleeding, and protocols for addressing left ventricular dysfunction in the postoperative period. Every month, The Lifeline features intensive care specialists sharing their expert insights into the rapid and effective management of critically ill cardiac surgical patients. Don't miss next month's episode! Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
The healthcare system is flatlining, and it's time for a professional resuscitation. This Nursing Week, join Dr. Danielle McCamey and Gloria E. Barrera for a heavy-hitting breakdown of the HESS framework—Humanity, Ethics, Social Justice, and Science—as the ultimate toolkit for systemic reform. From the grassroots power of Nurses Shift Change to the national Report for Duty call to action, we explore how to move beyond the bedside to fight for environmental justice, primary care, and safe working conditions. We are done paying the price for a profit-first system; it is time to stop working the shift and start being the change. Inside This Episode: The HESS Framework: Why merging social justice with clinical science is the future of nursing. Nurses Shift Change: How grassroots movements are mobilizing the workforce to demand better working conditions. Political Power: Why nurses must engage in policy and advocacy to fix a broken healthcare system. The Retention Crisis: Addressing the unique challenges facing young nurses and how to prevent "ethical injuries" in the workplace. Collective Action: The roadmap for nurses to unite and demand better outcomes for both patients and practitioners. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, but systemic barriers often stifle their voices. This episode is a call to action for every nurse, student, and healthcare advocate to pivot from "coping" to "changing." "It's not just about surviving the shift; it's about changing the shift." Keywords: Nursing Week, Nursing Advocacy, HESS Framework, Healthcare Reform, Nurses Shift Change, Nursing Ethics, Social Justice in Nursing, Nurse Retention, Health Policy. Don't forget to like, share and subscribe and leave a review if you're ready to see the nursing profession lead the charge in healthcare transformation! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nursing Advocacy and Community Building 02:25 The HESS Framework: Humanity, Ethics, Social Justice, and Science 05:14 Public Health and Nursing: Bridging the Gap 07:45 The Power of Collective Voice in Nursing 10:45 Mobilizing for Change: The Report for Duty Rally 13:48 Strategic Nursing Leadership and Systemic Change 23:03 Awakening the Nursing Profession 24:45 The Political Nature of Nursing 26:57 Understanding Nursing as a Political Force 33:08 Addressing Racism in Nursing 39:13 The Leaky Bucket: Retaining Nurses 42:15 Ethical Injuries in Nursing More about Nurses Shift Change: https://nurseshiftchange.org Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, PLNC Gloria E. Barrera (she/her/ella) is a public health and school nurse leader, recognized expert, and dedicated nursing faculty member with over 16 years of experience. She serves as Director of an RN to BSN Program and has been recognized nationally for her leadership, including being named Nurse Influencer of the Year by ANA-Illinois, and a 40 Under Forty in Public Health honoree by the de Beaumont Foundation. Gloria is the Co-Founder of Nurse Heroes for Zero and the Society of Latinx Nurses, a Fellow of the Center for Health Equity Education and Advocacy (CHEEA) and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, and alumni of Healing Politics '25. She is dedicated to advancing health equity, climate justice, and the next generation of nurse leaders. Danielle McCamey, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FCCP Danielle McCamey is a dedicated nurse leader, educator, and advocate for diversity in healthcare. With over 16 years of critical care experience and nearly a decade as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, she currently serves as the Chief Advanced Practice Provider of the Pre-anesthesia Testing Department and Senior Advanced Practice Provider in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. She also chairs the MedStar Doctoral Nurses Collaborative and is a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. As the founder, CEO, and president of DNPs of Color, Inc., Dr. McCamey is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing through mentorship, leadership development, and community empowerment. Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782 * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast Stay Connected: Website: grittynurse.com Instagram: @grittynursepod TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064212216482 X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com
Timely and effective defibrillation is fundamental to excellent outcomes in cardiac arrest care. But there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that how we deliver those shocks may matter just as much as when we deliver them. Over the last few years we've seen increasing interest in alternative defibrillation strategies, particularly AP pad positioning and double sequential external defibrillation, and the potential impact they can have on outcomes in refractory VF. The DOSE-VF trial was a landmark trial in the area, showing markedly better survival to hospital discharge with both vector change defibrillation and DSED compared with standard antero-lateral pad positioning. Since then, further analyses have suggested that the timing of DSED shocks, pad positioning and the vectors of defibrillation my all play an important role in improving the chances of ROSC and good neurological recovery. Now we've got new evidence from Sheldon Cheskes and colleagues exploring what may actually be driving these improved outcomes. Is it simply that AP pad positioning delivers more current? Or is there something more important about the direction that current travels through the myocardium? The findings from this piece of the puzzle has potential to change the fundamentals of resuscitation strategies. In this episode we take a deep dive into the emerging evidence around defibrillation, what the latest guidelines are saying and, importantly, what this means for practice. We're also hugely fortunate to be joined by Sheldon Cheskes himself to talk through the science behind defibrillation, the evidence and how systems can implement change. Once again we'd love to hear any thoughts or feedback either on the website or via X @TheResusRoom! Simon & James
In this edition of the new CTSNet podcast, The Lifeline, host and nurse educator Jill Ley, Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing, Founder of the Essentials of Cardiac Surgical Resuscitation, and former Cardiac Surgery Clinical Nurse Specialist at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA, USA, speaks with expert guest Rakesh Arora, Director of Cardiothoracic Critical Care and a professor in the Department of Surgery and Anesthesia at Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. They discuss managing arrest in patients with temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS), focusing on a paper Arora authored titled “EACTS/STS/AATS Guidelines on Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Adult Cardiac Surgery.” Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:08 Guidelines Background 02:02 Resuscitation, Monitoring Parameters 07:37 Approach to Patients in Extremis 11:39 Quality Assurance, Internal Data 12:22 End-Tidal 13:17 Bleeding Management 15:33 Arrhythmia, Defibrillation 17:21 Optimizing Tissue Perfusion 18:09 Key Points 20:26 Devices & Flow Patterns They began by exploring how this paper was developed and how Arora became involved in this project. They discussed the importance of expediting the resuscitation process and examined the recommendations for a tMCS implantation in patients experiencing post-procedural low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Key considerations included oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), as well as the significance of pulsatility. Additionally, they discussed the interaction between devices and patients and the importance of team training and simulation. They also addressed crucial topics such as coagulation, anticoagulation, and defibrillation. Finally, they examined optimizing tissue perfusion for better patient outcomes. Every month, The Lifeline features intensive care specialists sharing their expert insights into the rapid and effective management of critically ill cardiac surgical patients. Don't miss next month's episode! Related Resources EACTS/STS/AATS Guidelines on Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Adult Cardiac Surgery Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.
In this EM Cases update on cardiac arrest management, Dr. Sheldon Cheskes and Dr. Rob Simard join Anton to walk us through the evolving science and bedside practicalities of cardiac arrest management in the wake of the 2025 ACLS Guidelines. They answer questions such as: What are the most common failures in CPR quality, and how can we recognize and correct them in real time? Should we employ head up CPR, and if so how? How should we interpret ETCO₂ during cardiac arrest, and why shouldn't we chase a single number? How can we minimize peri-shock pauses and optimize defibrillation success at the bedside? Is the traditional two-minute CPR cycle too rigid, and should we be shocking earlier in cases of refibrillation? What is the evidence behind dual sequential external defibrillation (DSED), and when should we use it? After 3 shocks or earlier? How does hyperventilation during cardiac arrest harm patients, and what strategies can reliably prevent it? What is compression-adjusted ventilation (CAV), and how can it improve ventilation consistency during resuscitation? What is the optimal dose of epinephrine in patient with Ventricular Fibrillation? and many more... Please donate to EM Cases to ensure ongoing Free Open Access Medical Education here: https://emergencymedicinecases.com/donation/ This is a deep dive into the critical inflection points in resuscitation where small changes in technique and decision-making may have the greatest impact on outcomes.
This episode features Sheldon Cheskes discussing advanced defibrillation techniques, including double sequential defibrillation, vector change, and the importance of early intervention in refractory VF. Gain insights into recent trials, practical protocols, and the impact on neurological outcomes.Key topicsDouble sequential defibrillation (DSD)Vector change and pad positioning in defibrillationTiming and dosing of medications in VFImpact of early intervention on neurological outcomesRecent clinical trials: Dose VF and EpiDoseFurther Reading:Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation
Pacing and Defibrillation Without Leads Guest: Nicholas Tan, M.D. Host: Anthony Kashou, M.D. In this episode, listeners will hear about the history of pacemakers and defibrillators, both with and without leads. Potential risks and complications associated with transvenous cardiac devices are discussed. The listener should gain an awareness of leadless pacing and extravascular defibrillator systems. Topics Discussed: What are some of the risks associated with transvenous device implants? What is leadless pacing, and how is it generally performed? How does a defibrillator without transvenous leads work? When will you consider “transvenous-free” pacing or defibrillation systems? Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV and @MayoCVservices. LinkedIn: Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Services Cardiovascular Education App: The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME App is an innovative educational platform that features cardiology-focused continuing medical education wherever and whenever you need it. Use this app to access other free content and browse upcoming courses. Download it for free in Apple or Google stores today! No CME credit offered for this episode. Podcast episode transcript found here. 09-December-2025
What do we really know about treating refractory ventricular fibrillation? And why are we still waiting to use strategies that might actually work? In this episode, we talk to Sheldon Cheskes about the evolving science of cardiac arrest, with a focus on refractory and recurrent ventricular fibrillation. We explore the evidence behind double sequential external defibrillation (DSED), how it compares to standard defibrillation, and what the DOSE VF trial has changed in practice. This is not just about adding another shock. It's about understanding why defibrillation fails, how vector and energy delivery matter, and when a different approach might improve outcomes. We also discuss: The difference between refractory and recurrent VF — and why it matters What DSED and vector change actually do in physiological terms Why guidelines have been slow to move despite emerging evidence The role of antiarrhythmics, adrenaline, and sequence of care Practical considerations for introducing DSED into real systems What comes next — from smarter detection to post-arrest recovery This is a conversation grounded in real-world resuscitation. It challenges current practice without overselling the evidence. Key Learning Points Refractory VF (persistent after multiple shocks) and recurrent VF (returns after ROSC) are distinct clinical problems with different implications Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) may improve outcomes in refractory VF by altering current pathways and myocardial depolarisation Timing matters — waiting too long to escalate may reduce the chance of success Current guidelines remain cautious, reflecting the balance between evidence and implementation risk Defibrillation strategy is only one part of a complex system that includes high-quality CPR, drug therapy, and post-resuscitation care Why This Matters Cardiac arrest survival remains low. Small improvements in early resuscitation can have large system-wide effects. Understanding when standard care is failing — and what to do next — is where expertise matters. Learning from podcasts? If podcasts form part of your CPD, you can log your listening time across all podcasts on MedPod Learn — not just St Emlyn's — and generate structured reflection. The app is free to download, includes a one-month free trial, and offers globally adjusted pricing. If you are already listening, you may as well make it count.
Today on the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we're diving into one of the most critical and often misunderstood areas of pre-hospital care: defibrillation and the future of cardiac arrest management. We're all familiar with the mantra of “shock early,” but how much of what we believe about defibrillation is grounded in evidence, and how much is myth carried forward through tradition and training?To help us separate fact from fiction, I'm joined by Michael Heller, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer for Corpuls, a company at the forefront of resuscitation technology. Michael brings a unique perspective, not just from the engineering and innovation side, but also from working closely with clinicians worldwide to understand what truly makes a difference at the roadside.In this conversation, we'll explore the enduring myths of defibrillation, the technologies shaping the next generation of devices, and how data, AI, and post–cardiac arrest strategies could redefine survival over the next five years. This is about challenging assumptions, sharpening our practice, and looking ahead to what's possible in saving lives. You can find out more about Corpuls here: https://corpuls.world/en/
If you've ever watched a medical drama or spent any amount of time in the clinical setting, you've seen a crash cart and have a general idea of what defibrillation is. In this lesson, we'll dive deeper into defibrillation so you can feel confident when working with patients, practicing a mock code blue, or simply answering questions on an exam. Here's what you'll learn: - What defibrillation is and why it's important - Which rhythms you can defibrillate - How defibrillation works - Types of defibrillators and settings - Safe and successful defibrillation ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats including podquizzes, case studies and drills that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh! Med Surg Solution - Are you looking for a more effective way to learn Med Surg? Enroll in Med Surg Solution and get lessons on 57 key topics and out-of-this-world study guides. Fast Pharmacology - Learn pharmacology concepts in 5 minutes or less in this audio based program. Perfect for on-the-go review! Electrolytes Study Guide - This informative bundle of one-page fact sheets has the key details you need to understand the important roles that electrolytes play. Being able to apply your interpretation of lab values is key to your nursing school success!
Early CPR and defibrillation improve cardiac arrest outcomes. Here's why CPR is important and five ACLS tips to reduce CPR interruptions.Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the most difference.The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't.Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes.The role of the CPR coach.Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip/savePass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
Early CPR and defibrillation improve cardiac arrest outcomes. Here's why CPR is important and five ACLS tips to reduce CPR interruptions.Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation.The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.The chance of defibrillation converting to a perfusing rhythm decreases every minute that passes.How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't.Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes.The role of the CPR coach.Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.**American Cancer Society (ACS) Fundraiser This is the seventh year that I'm participating in Men Wear Pink to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for the American Cancer Society's life-saving mission.I hope you'll consider contributing.Every donation makes a difference in the fight against breast cancer! Paul Taylor's ACS Fundraiser Page: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylorTHANK YOU for your support! Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip/savePass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people.Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories:1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock.Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators.Energy for monophasic defibrillators to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse.Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators.Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion.Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. **American Cancer Society (ACS) Fundraiser This is the seventh year that I'm participating in Men Wear Pink to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for the American Cancer Society's life-saving mission.I hope you'll consider contributing.Every donation makes a difference in the fight against breast cancer! Paul Taylor's ACS Fundraiser Page: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylorTHANK YOU for your support! Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip/savePass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
Liam explains how he was brought back to life after collapsing on a pitch while refereeing a match. Philip is very annoyed there is no catering service on the Dublin/Sligo train. Should an emissions tax on the agriculture sector be introduced?
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation.The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation.The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes.How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't.Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes.The role of the CPR coach.Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vipPass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people.Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories:1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock.Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators.For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse. Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators.Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion.Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vipPass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation.The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes.How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't.Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. The role of the CPR coach.Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Free Prescription Discount Card - Download your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vip/savePass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people.Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories:1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock.Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators.For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse.Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators.Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion.Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Practice ECG rhythms at Dialed Medics - https://dialedmedics.com/Safe Meds VIP - Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://safemeds.vipPass ACLS Web Site - Episode archives & other ACLS-related podcasts: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Quick background info Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood for any reason. This is different from a heart attack in which the heart is still working but the muscle itself is starting to die. One cause of cardiac arrest is when the electrical signals are very disrupted in the heart and start following chaotic patterns such as Ventricular tachycardia (VTach) and Ventricular fibrillation (VFib) One of the only ways to save a person whose heart is in VFib or VTach is to jolt the heart with electricity and terminate the dangerous arrhythmia. A recent study in the Netherlands looked at how important the time delay is from when cardiac arrest is first identified to when a defibrillation shock from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is actually given. Their main take-away: each minute defibrillation is delayed drops the survival rate by 6%! These findings reinforce the importance of rapid AED deployment and early defibrillation strategies in prehospital cardiac arrest response. References Stieglis, R., Verkaik, B. J., Tan, H. L., Koster, R. W., van Schuppen, H., & van der Werf, C. (2025). Association Between Delay to First Shock and Successful First-Shock Ventricular Fibrillation Termination in Patients With Witnessed Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest. Circulation, 151(3), 235–244. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.069834 Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS3 | Edited by Meg Joyce, MS1 & Jorge Chalit, OMS3 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/
Tomás Barry, Associate Professor at University College Dublin & GP and Molua Donohoe, from Rosses Point, Co Sligo – survived a cardiac arrest in 2022
Recorded live at the Critical Care Canada Forum 2024, this episode is part of our special Cardiac ICU Series.Dr. Rebecca Mathew, cardiologist and critical care specialist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, joins us to discuss the latest refractory cardiac arrest practice updates, including antiarrhythmic drugs, defibrillation strategies, and the role of ECPR.Chapters: • Defining refractory cardiac arrest • Antiarrhythmic drugs: amiodarone vs. lidocaine • Defibrillation strategies: vector change and double sequential defibrillation • Emerging therapies: stellate ganglion blocks and electrical storm management • ECPR: who qualifies and what the trials say • Equity and feasibility challenges in cardiac arrest management • ICU recovery clinics and patient-centered outcomes • Clinical trials: barriers to enrollment and the need for changeReferences: 1. ROC ALPS Trial: 1. Kudenchuk PJ, Brown SP, Daya M, et al. Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium-Amiodarone, Lidocaine or Placebo Study (ROC-ALPS): Rationale and Methodology Behind an Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Antiarrhythmic Drug Trial. American Heart Journal. 2014;167(5):653-9.e4. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2014.02.010. PMID: 24766974.[1] 2. DOSE VF: Cheskes S, Drennan IR, Turner L, Pandit SV, Dorian P. The Impact of Alternate Defibrillation Strategies on Shock-Refractory and Recurrent Ventricular Fibrillation: A Secondary Analysis of the DOSE VF Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. Resuscitation. 2024;198:110186. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110186. PMID: 38522736 3. ARREST: Yannopoulos D, Bartos J, Raveendran G, et al. Advanced Reperfusion Strategies for Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation (ARREST): A Phase 2, Single Centre, Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial. Lancet (London, England). 2020;396(10265):1807-1816. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32338-2. PMID: 33197396 4. INCEPTION: Ubben JFH, Suverein MM, Delnoij TSR, et al. Early Extracorporeal CPR for Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - A Pre-Planned Per-Protocol Analysis of the INCEPTION-trial. Resuscitation. 2024;194:110033. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.110033. PMID: 37923112 Disclaimer:This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect their employers.
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't. Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. The role of the CPR coach. Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive Back & Help Others: Your support helps cover the monthly cost of software and podcast & website hosting so that others can benefit from these ACLS tips as well. Donations via Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor are appreciated.Good luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people.Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories: 1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock. Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators.For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse.Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion. Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive Back & Help Others: Your support helps cover the monthly cost of software and podcast & website hosting so that others can benefit from these ACLS tips as well. Donations via Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor are appreciated.Good luck with your ACLS class!
Unlock the potential to save lives with our exciting discussion on the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation's Technology Education Initiative course. Featuring Dr. Michael Kazior, an esteemed anesthesiologist and intensivist, we spotlight the crucial skills of manual external defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing. Dr. Kazior shares his personal journey and highlights the stark educational gaps in defibrillator usage among anesthesia professionals. This course, born from the collaboration between the APSF and the American Society of Anesthesiologists, promises an interactive learning experience that aims to bolster confidence and competence in using these vital life-saving devices. Additionally, this course is a robust addition to the APSF's suite of courses, including those on low-flow anesthesia and quantitative neuromuscular monitoring, all designed to equip anesthesia professionals with comprehensive knowledge of essential technologies.For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/239-enhancing-defibrillation-skills-the-apsfs-technology-education-initiative/© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation
Scientists at Durham University have developed a theoretical framework to predict the efficacy of quenching of electrical pulses in excitable media, such as those found in the human heart. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate the development of more efficient defibrillation techniques for treating cardiac arrhythmias. Quenching electrical waves in the heart The study, published in Physical Review E, addresses a longstanding challenge in understanding how stable excitation waves in systems like cardiac tissue can be effectively neutralised through small changes. These electrical waves, when irregular, are thought to underly serious conditions such as fibrillation, where the heart fails to pump blood effectively. The research provides a way to predict the smallest possible interventions required to restore the system to a stable resting state and permit the normal rhythm to reassert itself. The study bridges a crucial gap in understanding how to disrupt harmful excitation waves with minimal energy input, especially in the earliest stages of defibrillation through direct intervention. Lead researcher Dr Christopher Marcotte of Durham University's Department of Computer Science said: "Predicting how small changes to carefully tuned states develop over time underlies much of our understanding of complex phenomena, from turbulence to weather; similar predictions for dynamically robust states, like fully developed electrical waves in the heart, requires further insight into the larger structures of these systems and how they interact. "By predicting the boundaries for efficacious interventions in the propagation of these electrical waves, we provide additional tools for defibrillation researchers." The team developed a linear theory capable of predicting 'quenching perturbations' - small changes that return an unstable system to its resting state. This method improves upon traditional brute-force approaches by using computationally efficient semi-analytical techniques, inspired by similar approaches developed for the ignition - or starting excitation - of these waves. This research focus on predicting suppression offers fresh insights into how to halt erratic electrical activity in tissues. Using this framework, the researchers tested their predictions against various mathematical models of excitable media, including those simulating cardiac electrical activity. The theory proved highly effective, showing qualitative and, in many cases, quantitative agreement with direct numerical simulations. Defibrillation, the medical procedure to restore normal heart rhythms, typically involves applying a strong electrical shock to disrupt fibrillation. This study opens the door to refining these techniques by targeting specific regions of the heart with smaller, more precise electrical pulses. This could lower energy requirements, reducing the risk of tissue damage and making treatments more patient-friendly. However, the researchers caution that quenching excitation waves is inherently more energy-intensive than initiating them as the latter rely on stored chemical energy in the tissue, which presents challenges for direct practical implementation. Despite these challenges, the research findings lay the groundwork for innovations in low-energy defibrillation strategies and may augment emerging techniques like the Low-Energy Atrial Pacing (LEAP) method. To encourage further exploration, the researchers have made their methodology and data openly available online. By providing access to their code, they hope to foster collaboration and spur additional advances in this critical area of medical science. Source Predicting effective quenching of stable pulses in slow-fast excitable media', (2024), Christopher Marcotte, Physical Review E. An embargoed copy of the paper is available from Durham University Communications Office. Please email communications.team@durham.ac. uk. About Durham University Durham University is a globally outstan...
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't.Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. The role of the CPR coach. Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of 80% or more.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive Back & Help Others: Your support helps cover the monthly cost of software and podcast & website hosting so that others can benefit from these ACLS tips as well. Donations made via Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor are appreciated.Make a difference in the fight against breast cancer by donating to my Men Wear Pink fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS) at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylor Every dollar helps in the battle with breast cancer.Good luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories: 1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock. Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators. For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach. AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse. Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion. Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive Back & Help Others: Your support helps cover the monthly cost of software and podcast & website hosting so that others can benefit from these ACLS tips as well. Donations made via Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor are appreciated.Make a difference in the fight against breast cancer by donating to my Men Wear Pink fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS) at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylor Every dollar helps in the battle with breast cancer.Good luck with your ACLS class!
Defibrillation in my circulation? Hotwire my heart!
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation (VF).The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't. Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. The role of the CPR coach.Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive Back & Help Others: Your support helps cover the monthly cost of software and podcast & website hosting so that others can benefit from these ACLS tips as well. Donations made via Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor are appreciated.Make a difference in the fight against breast cancer by donating to my Men Wear Pink fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS) at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylor Every dollar helps in the battle with breast cancer.Good luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories: 1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators. Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock. Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators. For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse.Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators.Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion. Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive Back & Help Others: Your support helps cover the monthly cost of software and podcast & website hosting so that others can benefit from these ACLS tips as well. Donations made via Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor are appreciated.Make a difference in the fight against breast cancer by donating to my Men Wear Pink fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS) at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylor Every dollar helps in the battle with breast cancer.Good luck with your ACLS class!
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't.Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. The role of the CPR coach.Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on X (formally known as Twitter)@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back - buy Paul a bubble tea hereGood luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories:1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock.Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators. For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse. Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion. Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on X (formally known as Twitter)@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back - buy Paul a bubble tea hereGood luck with your ACLS class!
EMRA*Cast host Dustin Slagle, MD, and NYU critical care cardiology fellow James Ciancarelli, DO, revisit the topic of a prior episode – dual synchronous defibrillation – to further explore the theory, logistics, evidence, and indications for its use.
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't. Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. The role of the CPR coach. Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on X (formally known as Twitter)@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back - buy Paul a bubble tea hereGood luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories:1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock. Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators. For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach. AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse. Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion. Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on X (formally known as Twitter)@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back - buy Paul a bubble tea hereGood luck with your ACLS class!
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't. Why bystander CPR is important for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. The role of the CPR coach. Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories: Automated External Defibrillator (AED);Biphasic defibrillators; andMonophasic defibrillators.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock. Advantages & use of Biphasic defibrillators.For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse. Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion. Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!
THA #70 - 911, Help Me: A Cardiac Survivor's Tale of Dispatchers and Defibrillation Service to our country in the US NAVY and graduate level studies in business earned Rob Hoadley the titles of Veteran & Master of Business Administration. A dedicated husband and father, Rob is drawn to serve our cause because he is the Survivor of multiple Sudden Cardiac Arrests (5x in 2011, 2x in 2018, and 16 ICD shocks in 2021…23 Total!). This has earned him the title of… Survivor. Rob currently helps place Life Saving AEDs wherever they are needed. Using his valuable knowledge and experience in the world of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Rob is an accomplished Keynote and Public Speaker and Advocate for SCA awareness, AEDs, and CPR. Delivering a message of resilience, strength, vulnerability, and yes…Survival, Rob has motivated and inspired countless people. Rob is a member of an International Advisory Group and Public Research Collaborative working to develop and validate a new Patient Reported Outcome Measure for Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivors, including their families and/or caregivers. This collaborative has published the first of its anticipated bodies of work. As a member of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Advisory Council, Rob will bring all of his earned “titles” to the table to focus his passion on helping save more lives from SCA. More specifically, Rob will help SCAF assist fellow survivors in the sixth link in our Chain of Survival, Recovery. Rob is happily married to his beautiful and strong wife Dori. He is also the proud father of two beautiful and equally strong young women, Kristin and Laurin Hoadley.”
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous high quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't. Examples of in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes when CPR is performed until defibrillation vs defibrillation without CPR. The role of the CPR coach. Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories: 1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators. Because AEDs are designed to be used by first responders, and lay people with only minimal medical training, the controls are kept simple and are pre-programmed into the machine. Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock. Biphasic defibrillators automatically measure the impedance between the defib pads and will adjust the energy to deliver the shock needed based on the patient. Biphasic defibrillator use and energy setting. For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach. AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse. Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion. Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference are continuous high quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't. Examples of in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes when CPR is performed until defibrillation vs defibrillation without CPR. The role of the CPR coach. Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!If you're looking for other medical podcasts and online CE, check out ConveyMED.io
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories:1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Because AEDs are designed to be used by first responders, and lay people with only minimal medical training, the controls are kept simple and are pre-programmed into the machine.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock. Biphasic defibrillators automatically measure the impedance between the defib pads and will adjust the energy to deliver the shock needed based on the patient. Biphasic defibrillator use and energy setting. For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach. AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse. Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion. Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!
Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous high quality CPR and early defibrillation.The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation.The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. How our chance of successfully defibrillating a patient into a perfusing rhythm significantly changes when good CPR is delivered vs when it isn't.Examples of in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes when CPR is performed until defibrillation vs defibrillation without CPR. The role of the CPR coach.Five tips to aid us in limiting CPR interruptions to less than 10 seconds so we can maintain a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories:1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Because AEDs are designed to be used by first responders, and lay people with only minimal medical training, the controls are kept simple and are pre-programmed into the machine.Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock.Biphasic defibrillators automatically measure the impedance between the defib pads and will adjust the energy to deliver the shock needed based on the patient.Biphasic defibrillator use and energy setting.For monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach.AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse.Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion.Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia.Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!
Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories:1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);2. Biphasic defibrillators; and3. Monophasic defibrillators.Because AEDs are designed to be used by first responders, and lay people with only minimal medical training, the controls are kept simple and are pre-programmed into the machine. Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a shock.Biphasic defibrillators automatically measure the impedance between the defib pads and will adjust the energy to deliver the shock needed based on the patient. Biphasic defibrillator use and energy setting.For older, monophasic defibrillators, use 360J to defibrillate V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach. AEDs must not be used on patients with a pulse. Cardioversion of patients in unstable SVT or V-Tach with a pulse using biphasic vs monophasic monitor/defibrillators. Team safety when performing synchronized cardioversion.Energy needed to cardiovert unstable patients with a narrow vs wide complex tachycardia. Connect with me:Website: https://passacls.com@PassACLS on Twitter@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedInGive back & support the show:via PayPal Good luck with your ACLS class!
Background Information: Double external defibrillation (DED) is an intervention often used to treat refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF). This procedure involves applying another set of pads attached to a second defibrillator to a patient and shocking them in hopes of terminating the rhythm. At REBEL EM, we've done an extensive write up that details some of ... Read more The post REBEL Cast Ep113: Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation appeared first on REBEL EM - Emergency Medicine Blog.
In this episode, we review the largest trial of double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) and vector change (VC) defibrillation for refractory ventricular fibrillation (VFib): Cheskes S, Verbeek PR, Drennan IR, et al. Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(21):1947-1956. Show notes, references, & infographics: FOAMcast.org Thanks for listening! Jeremy Faust & Lauren Westafer
In this first part of our 2-part series on Cardiac Arrest Controversies Rob Simard, Bourke Tillman, Sara Gray and Scott Weingart discuss with Anton how best to ensure high quality chest compressions, the pros and cons of mechanical CPR, the literature on dual sequential defibrillation and optimizing pad placement, epinephrine vs vasopressin, amiodarone vs lidocaine, when to consider IV calcium and sodium bicarbonate, esmolol, airway considerations, sedation in cardiac arrest, the pros and cons of end-tidal CO2 and more... The post Ep 169 Cardiac Arrest Controversies – Chest Compressions, Dual Defibrillation, Medications and Airway appeared first on Emergency Medicine Cases.