Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest while transporting or on scene (witnessed arrest), how many analyses should take place?

1. 3

2. 5

3. 2

4. 4, unless extremely unusual circumstances

The correct answer is: 4, unless extremely unusual circumstances

In the context of a witnessed sudden cardiac arrest during transport or on scene, the recommended practice is to perform four defibrillation analyses, unless there are unusual circumstances. This guideline is based on the latest resuscitation protocols that emphasize the importance of delivering immediate defibrillation and providing a structured and sufficient number of analyses to determine the need for a shock. The rationale behind performing multiple analyses is to maximize the chances of successful resuscitation by determining if a shockable rhythm is present, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Each analysis allows the paramedic to assess the patient's rhythm and make informed decisions about subsequent interventions. Additional analyses are vital, especially in the early minutes of a cardiac arrest when timely interventions can significantly improve outcomes. The structure of performing up to four analyses helps ensure that the team responds effectively to any changes in the patient's condition and leverages the opportunity for intervention as quickly as possible.