Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which condition might require immediate defibrillation?

1. Bradycardia

2. Pulseless electrical activity

3. Ventricular fibrillation

4. Asystole

The correct answer is: Ventricular fibrillation

Immediate defibrillation is a critical intervention primarily indicated for ventricular fibrillation. This condition is characterized by an erratic heartbeat that results in ineffective heart contractions, leading to a lack of blood flow to vital organs. The chaotic electrical activity in the heart prevents any effective pumping action, which can quickly result in death if not treated promptly. Defibrillation aims to reset the heart's electrical system, allowing for a return to a normal rhythm. In cases of ventricular fibrillation, there is no pulse, and the patient is unresponsive, making immediate action required. This high-priority intervention is essential because the longer ventricular fibrillation persists, the less likely it is for the person to survive without significant neurological impairment. Bradycardia, pulseless electrical activity, and asystole do not require defibrillation in the same way. Bradycardia involves a slow heart rate, which may not necessitate electrical intervention. Pulseless electrical activity reflects a heart rhythm that should produce a pulse but doesn't, and treatment typically focuses on other advanced life support interventions rather than defibrillation. Lastly, asystole represents a flatline or lack of electrical activity, and defibrillation is not effective in these cases. Therefore, recognizing ventricular fibrillation as