Student learning toolCreated by: Champsedine Arevalo, MAN, RN, EMT
← Back to rhythms
Arrest

Coarse Ventricular Fibrillation

Chaotic, disorganized ventricular activity — no cardiac output. Shockable.

Shockable
LEAD II · 25 mm/sVF (coarse)

Characteristics

Rate
Cannot be counted
Rhythm
Chaotic, no discernible complexes
Amplitude
> 3 mm (coarse)

Common causes

  • Acute MI
  • Ischemia
  • Electrolyte disturbance
  • Drug toxicity

ACLS treatment

  1. 1CPR + defibrillate 200 J biphasic (or per manufacturer).
  2. 2Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 min.
  3. 3After 2nd shock: amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO bolus (or lidocaine 1–1.5 mg/kg).
  4. 4Search for Hs & Ts.

Related algorithms

Adult Cardiac Arrest →