Emergency Medications for Ventricular Fibrillation
Aug 11, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Min
Introduction
Ventricular Fibrillation Emergency Medication Protocol:
Initiate external cardiac compression immediately. Perform electrical defibrillation without delay using a defibrillator. After defibrillation, continue external cardiac compression and artificial respiration, and administer intravenous epinephrine 1 mg. Additionally, administer an antiarrhythmic agent—either amiodarone or lidocaine. If defibrillation is unsuccessful, administer amiodarone or lidocaine. For amiodarone, the initial intravenous dose is 300 mg.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) constitutes cardiac arrest. When a patient develops VF, they suddenly lose consciousness, exhibit absent pulsations in major arteries, and cease breathing within one minute. Initial resuscitation involves immediate external chest compressions. Once a defibrillator is available, deliver one shock without delay. Immediately after defibrillation, resume chest compressions and provide artificial ventilation, then reassess the rhythm after two minutes.
If VF persists, deliver a second shock promptly. After defibrillation, continue chest compressions and artificial ventilation, and administer intravenous epinephrine 1 mg (repeat every 3–5 minutes as needed). Reassess the rhythm after another two minutes.
If VF remains refractory, proceed with a third shock. Following defibrillation, continue chest compressions and artificial ventilation, and initiate antiarrhythmic therapy with either amiodarone or lidocaine. For amiodarone, administer an initial intravenous bolus of 300 mg; if ineffective, give a subsequent 150 mg bolus. For lidocaine, administer an initial intravenous bolus of 1.0–1.5 mg/kg; if required, a second dose of 0.5–0.75 mg/kg may be given intravenously.
