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Ventricular fibrillation arrest — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyResuscitationVentricular fibrillation arrestDipIMC

A 64-year-old man collapses in a shopping centre. Bystander CPR is in progress and the monitor shows ventricular fibrillation; pads are attached and no one is touching the patient. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Deliver a shock immediately and resume chest compressions without delay

Shockable cardiac arrest requires early defibrillation with minimal interruption to compressions. Adrenaline is not given before the first shock in VF or pulseless VT; it is given after the third shock. Long pulse checks and moving before treatment reduce coronary perfusion and delay definitive therapy. The pearl is that early shock and high-quality CPR are the strongest immediate interventions in VF arrest.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Adult ALS Guidelines 2025; JRCALC Guidelines 2025