Newer biphasic defibrillators with high first-shock efficacy led to the recommendation of single shocks plus immediate CPR instead of 3-shock sequences to treat ventricular fibrillation.
The recommendations for electrical therapies described in this section are designed to improve survival from SCA and life-threatening arrhythmias. Whenever defibrillation is attempted, rescuers must coordinate high-quality CPR with defibrillation to minimize interruptions in chest compressions and to ensure immediate resumption of chest compressions after shock delivery. The high first-shock efficacy of newer biphasic defibrillators led to the recommendation of single shocks plus immediate CPR instead of 3-shock sequences that were recommended prior to 2005 to treat VF. Further data are needed to refine recommendations for energy levels for defibrillation and cardioversion using biphasic waveforms.
Link et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Sudden cardiac arrest and life-threatening arrhythmias. Single shocks plus immediate CPR using biphasic defibrillators vs. 3-shock sequences was evaluated on Survival from sudden cardiac arrest. Newer biphasic defibrillators with high first-shock efficacy led to the recommendation of single shocks plus immediate CPR instead of 3-shock sequences to treat ventricular fibrillation.
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