1st April 2022

Mrs Jones is a 78-year-old lady who is brought in by ambulance to the emergency department following a collapse at home

Mrs Jones is a 78-year-old lady who is brought in by ambulance to the emergency department following a collapse at home. She is unconscious and unresponsive, and the paramedic team started chest compressions in the ambulance. She has had two rounds of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) whilst in the ambulance, and is now in the resus bay. No reversible causes of cardiac arrest have yet been identified. No shocks have been delivered.

CPR continues, as she remains pulseless. At the next rhythm check, the electrocardiograph (ECG) reading shows a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. 

What is the next management step for Mrs Jones?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.