ECC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ECC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which medication should be immediately available when administering IV adenosine for SVT? → Defibrillator with resuscitation equipment
2. What should be done if the defibrillator shock is unsuccessful? → Resume CPR immediately while preparing for another shock if necessary.
3. In ECC practice, what is a corrective action plan? → A documented strategy to address identified compliance deficiencies and prevent recurrence
4. What is the primary goal of early defibrillation during cardiac arrest? → To restore normal heart rhythm
5. Which ECG change is most characteristic of hyperkalemia in an emergency setting? → Peaked (tall, narrow) T waves with progressive QRS widening
6. Which of the following is a common complication during post-resuscitation care? → Recurrent arrhythmias
7. What does professional liability insurance protect a ECC practitioner against? → Financial loss from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in professional services
8. In the AHA High-Performance CPR team model, what is the primary role of the team leader? → Coordinating all team member roles and ensuring protocol adherence
9. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is defined as which of the following? → Three or more consecutive PVCs at a rate greater than 100 bpm
10. Which ECG finding is characteristic of ventricular fibrillation (VF)? → Chaotic, irregular waveforms with no identifiable QRS complexes
11. What is one of the immediate goals during post-resuscitation care? → Ensure adequate oxygenation and blood circulation
12. What should a ECC professional do when they discover an ethical violation by a colleague? → Report through appropriate organizational channels while documenting the observed behavior
13. Which cardiac arrest rhythm requires immediate defibrillation as primary treatment? → Ventricular fibrillation
14. How should a healthcare provider respond if the airway becomes obstructed? → Use suction or perform the Heimlich maneuver to clear the airway.
15. In ECC practice, what is the purpose of a standard operating procedure (SOP)? → To document step-by-step instructions for routine tasks to ensure consistency and quality
16. In atrial fibrillation, how is the ventricular response best characterized? → Irregularly irregular rhythm
17. In ECC practice, what is the purpose of a standard operating procedure (SOP)? → To document step-by-step instructions for routine tasks to ensure consistency and quality
18. Which leadership behavior is associated with the BEST team performance during simulated cardiac arrests? → Leader giving clear directives and frequently summarizing team status
19. A patient with stable wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin should receive which drug with caution? → Verapamil
20. What does professional liability insurance protect a ECC practitioner against? → Financial loss from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in professional services
21. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is best described as which of the following? → Organized electrical activity on ECG with no palpable pulse
22. A regular narrow-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm with no visible P waves is most consistent with which rhythm? → Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
23. What is the primary goal of post-resuscitation care? → To restore normal circulation and prevent organ failure
24. In complete (third-degree) heart block, what is the relationship between P waves and QRS complexes? → P waves and QRS complexes occur completely independently with no fixed relationship
25. What should you do after successfully defibrillating a patient in cardiac arrest? → Continue chest compressions and reassess after 2 minutes
26. What is the purpose of using an advanced airway during resuscitation? → To improve oxygenation and ventilation.
27. In suspected cocaine-induced cardiac arrest, which drug class is contraindicated? → Beta-blockers
28. Fibrinolytic therapy during cardiac arrest is considered when which reversible cause is strongly suspected? → Massive pulmonary embolism
29. When administering medications via endotracheal tube (ETT) during cardiac arrest, how should the dose be adjusted? → Use 2–2.5 times the IV dose
30. What does professional liability insurance protect a ECC practitioner against? → Financial loss from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in professional services