Ventricular Fibrillation Emergency Response: What You Need to Know

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia and the leading cause of sudden cardiac death. While defibrillation is the primary treatment for VF, it may not always be available in real-life situations. Moreover, VF cannot be visually diagnosed, which means victims often collapse suddenly and experience abrupt cessation of breathing and heartbeat. In such cases, immediate basic life support measures—including calling emergency services, performing CPR, and administering defibrillation—are critical.

Step 1: Call for Emergency Assistance

When you encounter someone who has suddenly collapsed, gently tap and call out to them to check for responsiveness. If there's no reaction, move the person to a safe area and immediately call emergency services to dispatch an ambulance. Time is of the essence, as every minute without treatment significantly reduces the chances of survival.

Step 2: Initiate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Perform Chest Compressions

Check the victim's carotid artery for a pulse. If no pulse is detected, begin CPR immediately. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface and loosen any tight clothing around the chest. Position your hands on the center of the chest, one on top of the other, and press down vertically with enough force to compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm). Maintain a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute, following a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio. Make sure your arms remain straight and allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

Administer Rescue Breaths

To ensure proper airflow, open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Pinch the nose shut and deliver two rescue breaths, each lasting more than one second, watching for visible chest rise. After completing five cycles of CPR, check for signs of life or a pulse. If there's no improvement, continue CPR until professional help arrives or a defibrillator becomes available.

Step 3: Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Apply the AED Promptly

If an automated external defibrillator is accessible, apply the electrode pads to the victim's chest as indicated in the device instructions. The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and determine whether a shock is necessary. If a shock is advised, ensure no one is touching the victim and press the shock button as instructed. Immediately resume CPR after the shock is delivered, continuing until emergency responders take over.

Additional Medical Considerations

In cases where VF is caused by underlying heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy or rheumatic heart valve disease, prompt treatment of the primary condition is essential. Antiarrhythmic medications like lidocaine may be used to stabilize heart rhythm. Furthermore, severe electrolyte imbalances—such as hyperkalemia or hypokalemia—can trigger VF. Correcting these imbalances through appropriate medical intervention can help restore normal cardiac function and prevent recurrence.