Optimizing Care Strategies for Refractory VF and VT Patients

As we all know, rapid and effective resuscitation makes a huge difference to the chance of survival from a cardiac arrest.

If you’re going to pick a rhythm to have as the patient or as the Resuscitationist, then it’s going to be a shockable rhythm, so VF or pulseless VT as they hold the greatest chance of survival. You'll find an initial shockable rhythm in around 20% of cases & defibrillation alone may lead to a ROSC. So it’s absolutely imperative to get the immediate management spot on!

Whilst current practice is good, there are some aspects of care that we can improve on and make a real difference to outcomes in these patients, with those first on scene or at the bedside in a phenomenally important position to deliver life saving care.

In this episode we’ll be talking predominantly about refractory VF but the strategy will transfer to how we can also deal with refractory VT cardiac arrests. 

We'll be running through all of the following;

• VF incidence
• Mechanisms behind VF
• Refractory and recurrent VF
• Defibrillation strategies
• Pharmacological strategies
• PCI in arrest
• ECMO

Once again we’d love to hear any thoughts or feedback either on the website or via X @TheResusRoom!

Simon, Rob & James