Final answer:
Amiodarone is the first-line antiarrhythmic agent used in cardiac arrest to improve ROSC and hospital admission rates in adults with refractory VF/pulseless VT. It aids in reestablishing normal sinus rhythm during life-threatening emergencies like ventricular fibrillation. External Automated Defibrillators (EADs) and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are also used in conjunction with pharmacological treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
If administered, Amiodarone is the first-line antiarrhythmic agent given in cardiac arrest because it has been clinically demonstrated to improve the rate of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) and hospital admission in adults with refractory Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)/pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). This medication is pivotal during such emergencies as it helps in reestablishing a normal sinus rhythm, particularly critical in cases of ventricular fibrillation which is a life-threatening condition. In the absence of treatment, ventricular fibrillation can lead rapidly to brain death. Simple and direct verbal instructions are provided with External Automated Defibrillators (EADs) which can be used by nonmedical personnel as well, making them accessible in public areas for quick response.
Apart from medications like Amiodarone, immediate application of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can provide the necessary shock to the heart to terminate ventricular fibrillation or a pulseless VT and allow the heart’s natural pacemaker to reinitiate a normal rhythm.