Resuscitation
-
Defibrillation may convert ventricular fibrillation (VF) only to reveal profound mechanical dysfunction. Survival following this dysfunction, known as pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and electromechanical dissociation (EMD), is uncommon. We sought to evaluate an electrical therapy for primary post shock PEA following short duration VF. ⋯ Electrical therapy increased the likelihood of ROSC in primary post defibrillation PEA three-fold (P < 0.01). Recovery occurred in the absence of thoracic compression, mechanical ventilation, or adjunctive drug therapy.