PALS: Ventricular Tachycardia

A 12-year-old patient collapses at a sporting event.

Bystanders performed CPR on the scene. Patient arrives in the emergency department with initial vitals demonstrating T: 35, P: thread, BP: 60/30, O₂: 95%.

Staff is able to effectively manually bag the patient.

An IV is being established. Initial EKG demonstrates the following:

As you are supporting airway, establishing IV access, giving IV fluids, and preparing for cardioversion, the nurse asks how many Joules you would like to use for cardioversion for this 40kg patient.

You attempt cardioversion but unfortunately the patient remains unresponsive and now has lost a pulse.

Rhythm strip is unchanged:

The patient remains in the same rhythm. You continue CPR.