ECG Rhythms: VTach, VFib & Asystole

By behereaxum

Summary

In a code, the monitor tells you the story. Reading the rhythm shows you exactly what to do next.

Chapters

  1. In a code, the monitor tells (0s)
  2. Start with a normal beat: a (9s)
  3. Ventricular tachycardia is fast and wide: (20s)
  4. Ventricular fibrillation is pure chaos: a (20s)
  5. Asystole is a nearly flat line: (20s)
  6. Know these three shapes, stay calm, (20s)

Transcript

In a code, the monitor tells you the story. Reading the rhythm shows you exactly what to do next. Let's learn three you must recognize instantly. Start with a normal beat: a small bump, a tall sharp spike, then a rounded wave, repeating steadily and evenly. Ventricular tachycardia is fast and wide: tall, uniform peaks marching by in a rapid, regular run, with no small bumps between them. Ventricular fibrillation is pure chaos: a jagged, wandering line with no real beats, just disorganized quivering. Recognize it and defibrillate now. Asystole is a nearly flat line: no spikes, no activity. Confirm it in two leads, and never shock a flatline. Know these three shapes, stay calm, and act fast.