EMS Cardiac & Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards

A patient presents with sudden-onset chest pain radiating to the left arm, diaphoresis, and nausea. What is the FIRST action?

Answer: Obtain a 12-lead ECG

Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is the highest priority to identify STEMI and activate the cardiac catheterization lab as quickly as possible.

Which ECG finding is diagnostic of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)?

Answer: ST elevation ≥1 mm in two or more contiguous leads

STEMI is defined by ST elevation ≥1 mm (≥2 mm in V1–V3) in two or more contiguous leads, indicating complete coronary artery occlusion.

What rhythm is most commonly associated with sudden cardiac death in adults?

Answer: Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

Ventricular fibrillation is the most common initial rhythm in sudden cardiac death and is the only shockable rhythm in witnessed arrest.

A patient in ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a pulse becomes hemodynamically unstable. What is the treatment?

Answer: Synchronized cardioversion

Unstable VT with a pulse requires synchronized cardioversion to restore normal sinus rhythm and avoid delivering a shock on the T-wave.

How many joules should an AED deliver for the first defibrillation attempt in adult VF?

Answer: 150–200 J (device-specific)

AEDs deliver device-specific energy doses, typically 150–200 J for biphasic devices, which is equally effective to higher monophasic energies.

Which finding differentiates pulseless electrical activity (PEA) from asystole on the monitor?

Answer: PEA shows organized electrical activity without a palpable pulse

PEA is defined by organized cardiac electrical activity on the monitor in the absence of a palpable pulse.