RECOGNIZING VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA - A LETHAL RHYTHM

Updated 8/25

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Scenario: A young man, possibly in his 30 s ,
was found near the lake. Someone calls 911.
Paramedics arrive shortly afterwards. 

Rescue efforts are begun. The cardiac monitor
shows Ventricular Tachycardia. AHA guidelines
will be followed.

                                                                                 

Below are some EKG rhythms that are considered 

to be lethal. Immediate intervention is necessary
for good outcomes. 

Ventricular Tachycardia - There may or may not be a pulse
present. The ventricles are beating rapidly and there is no atrial
activity. Blood flow to the vital organs is compromised.

Ventricular Fibrillation -  There is a chaotic rhythm and no
atrial activity. The ventricles are quivering , so there is no 
cardiac output. There is no pulse and the patient may become
unresponsive. Immediate action to defibrillate is usually done.

PEA - the patient in PEA will have a heart rhythm, but is 
unresponsive. This may be caused by hypovolemia, cardiac
 tamponade, pneumothorax, drug overdose, thrombosis,

 and trauma.

Learn more about : Third degree AV Block

Chest pain and the EKG.