Shockable vs Non-Shockable ECG Rhythms: Paramedic Guide to Cardiac Arrest

In this video James breaks down the key differences between shockable and non-shockable ECG rhythms in cardiac arrest. Covering VF, pulseless VT, asystole, and PEA with clear explanations, clinical reasoning, and real-world paramedic insight. This is essential knowledge for anyone managing cardiac arrest in the prehospital or emergency setting. Understand when to defibrillate, when not to, and why it matters for patient outcomes. Ideal for paramedics, students, and anyone preparing for exams or high-stakes clinical scenarios. What's covered: ✅ Ventricular fibrillation (VF): recognition and management ✅ Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) ✅ Asystole: what to look for and what to do ✅ Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) ✅ Decision making: when to shock and when not to ✅ Clinical tips for real-world cardiac arrest management Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:24 Shockable rhythms overview 0:31 Non-shockable rhythms overview 0:34 What is defibrillation? 1:03 Shockable rhythms in depth 2:03 Ventricular fibrillation (VF) 2:18 Pulseless VT (pVT) 3:50 Non-shockable rhythms in depth 3:51 Asystole 4:41 Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) 6:20 Agonal rhythm vs PEA 6:31 Defining PEA and agonal rhythm 🛒 KIT & RESOURCES (affiliate): Clinical ECGs in Paramedic Practice. Best-Selling Guide for Student Paramedics & Prehospital Professionals (Paperback): https://amzn.to/4uDtCor Clinical ECGs in Paramedic Practice. Best-Selling Guide for Student Paramedics & Prehospital Professionals (Kindle): https://amzn.to/4uynRZd EMAY Portable ECG/EKG Monitor: https://amzn.to/4uJtV1n ECG in the Pocket: The Students’ No-Nonsense Survival Guide to Cracking ECGs (Paperback): https://amzn.to/4u2I75m ECG in the Pocket: The Students’ No-Nonsense Survival Guide to Cracking ECGs (Kindle): https://amzn.to/4u3JKQs Affiliate disclosure: some links above are affiliate links: if you purchase through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 💡 If this was helpful, please consider becoming a channel member to support more clinical education content! 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more paramedic and emergency medicine skill tutorials! 🚑💉 Disclaimer: The information contained in the multimedia content posted represents the views and opinions of the original creators and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any individual or organisation associated or connected with the original creators, past or present. The mere appearance of video content on this channel does not constitute an endorsement by any individual or organisation of such content.