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Cardiac arrest - out of hospital care - Management
When should I attempt defibrillation?
- Continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until a defibrillator is available.
- As soon as a defibrillator is available, assess the rhythm by applying self-adhesive patches to the chest.
- Give uninterrupted chest compressions whilst patches are applied.
- Attempt defibrillation if ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) is identified (see Shockable rhythm - management).
- Do NOT attempt defibrillation if asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is identified; start or continue CPR (see Non-shockable rhythm - management).
- If there is doubt about whether the rhythm is asystole or fine VF, do NOT attempt defibrillation (see Non-shockable rhythm - management).
- If an automated external defibrillator is used, follow the voice and visual prompts regarding whether to shock the person or not.
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