High-Risk Rhythms: EMS Recognition and Management of Tachyarrhythmias and Fibrillation
Cardiac arrhythmias remain one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac arrest and prehospital mortality. EMS professionals are frequently the first healthcare providers to identify and manage tachyarrhythmias and life-threatening fibrillation rhythms in the field. Early recognition, accurate ECG interpretation, and appropriate intervention significantly impact survival outcomes.
This 2-hour continuing education course is designed for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics and provides an in-depth review of tachyarrhythmias and fibrillation rhythms encountered in the prehospital environment. Participants will review electrophysiology fundamentals, differentiate narrow and wide complex tachycardias, recognize atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias, and apply evidence-based treatment strategies consistent with current ACLS and Texas EMS protocols.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Differentiate narrow-complex from wide-complex tachycardias using QRS duration criteria.
- Identify the primary electrophysiologic mechanisms responsible for tachyarrhythmias, including enhanced automaticity, reentry circuits, and triggered activity.
- Recognize ECG characteristics of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, multifocal atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, torsades de pointes, and ventricular fibrillation.
- Determine hemodynamic stability based on clinical assessment findings in patients presenting with tachyarrhythmias.
- Select appropriate pharmacologic interventions for stable narrow-complex and wide-complex tachycardias according to ACLS-aligned EMS protocols.
- Identify indications for synchronized cardioversion versus unsynchronized defibrillation in unstable tachyarrhythmias.
- Identify clinical risks associated with prolonged QT interval and torsades de pointes.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Foundations of Tachyarrhythmias - Electrophysiology, Mechanisms, and ECG Recognition
- Review of Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Incidence and Risk Factors
- ECG Interpretation Review
- Narrow Complex Tachycardias
- Wide Complex Tachycardias
Chapter 2: Prehospital Management of Tachyarrhythmias and Fibrillation
- Hemodynamic Stability Assessment
- Management of Narrow Complex Tachycardia
- Management of Wide Complex Tachycardia
- Torsades de Pointes
- Ventricular Fibrillation and Pulseless VT
- Special Clinical Scenarios
Chapter 3: Advanced Clinical Decision-Making and Protocol Integration
Chapter 4: References
Price: $24.00
Contact Hours: 2
Course Author
Brad Moore
Brad Moore is a dedicated public safety professional with over 18 years of service in emergency response. He has been a firefighter since 2021 and became a licensed paramedic in 2023, providing critical care in high-pressure situations. Before transitioning to Fire and EMS, Brad served for 12 years as a police officer, where he developed strong skills in leadership, crisis management, public safety, and community service. He is also a licensed EMS Instructor through the Texas Department of State Health Services, further extending his expertise in training and education for emergency responders.
Course Accreditation
Provider approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services, course provides 2.00 contact hour(s). CE Program Approval Number #: 601011. Out-of-state participants must verify acceptance of this accreditation with their own licensing board.