Resuscitation Procedures

This condition never stops spontaneously. In case of Ventricular Fibrillation emergency measures should be taken within the first 4 minutes in order to prevent biological death. The absence of pulse in the carotid and femoral arteries should be regarded as an absolute indication for the immediate beginning of the intensive care measures which include:

• Chest thrust – a strong blow to the lower third of the sternum with a fist from approximately 20 cm above the chest (if defibrillator is ready, then it’s better to refrain from these actions);
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - closed-chest cardiac massage and artificial pulmonary ventilation for maintaining blood circulation at the level necessary to meet the minimum blood supply needs of vital organs (brain, heart), and make it possible to restore their functions with appropriate treatment. These techniques can support a patient in case of Ventricular Fibrillation;
• Cardioversion (Electrical discharge of defibrillator sent through the chest) is the only help for patients in this case. Without cardioversion, a patient experiencing Ventricular Fibrillation loses consciousness within several seconds and dies within several minutes;
• Once cardioversion is performed, it is necessary to inject specific medicines to maintain normal heart rhythm.

The effectiveness of the resuscitation procedures depends on the timeliness of the assistance, the character of the main disease and the intensity of the heart failure associated with the disease. An implantable cardioverter is the main preventive means of Ventricular Fibrillation. It is a defibrillator that may terminate Ventricular Fibrillation by means of electrical impulse.