Final answer:
The EKG technician should promptly notify a licensed practitioner when a patient shows ventricular tachycardia, as it can quickly advance to a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention, potentially with the use of an AED.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of a patient displaying ventricular tachycardia on an EKG, the first action an EKG technician should take is to notify a licensed practitioner to evaluate the patient. Ventricular tachycardia is a serious and potentially life-threatening arrhythmia because it may lead to ventricular fibrillation, which is a medical emergency and often described as "code blue." In such a situation where the heart beats in an irregular manner and is unable to pump blood effectively, immediate medical intervention is critical. An automated external defibrillator (AED) may be necessary to deliver a large shock of electrical energy to correct the arrhythmia and allow the heart's natural pacemaker to resume normal rhythm. An AED automatically diagnoses the heart condition and applies the shock with appropriate energy and waveform. However, before an AED or any defibrillation is used, a medical professional must assess the patient's condition to determine the appropriate course of action, which underscores the urgency of contacting a licensed practitioner immediately upon identifying ventricular tachycardia.