Final answer:
For refractory VFib or pulseless Vtach during CPR, defibrillation using an AED or manual defibrillator is recommended to restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs are accessible to nonmedical personnel and can analyze and treat dangerous heart rhythms. Defibrillation is a critical intervention in the event of VFib or pulseless Vtach.
Step-by-step explanation:
During CPR, for refractory Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib) or pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (Vtach), it is commonly recommended to give a defibrillation shock using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator if available. VFib is a medical emergency where the ventricles of the heart beat in an erratic, uncoordinated manner, preventing the heart from effectively pumping blood. The most common treatment is defibrillation, which aims to stop the erratic contractions and allow the heart's natural pacemaker to reestablish a normal rhythm.
Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are devices that can be used by nonmedical personnel thanks to their straightforward verbal instructions. They analyze the patient's heart rhythm and deliver the necessary charge to defibrillate the heart. In hospital settings, defibrillator paddles are more frequently used, especially for sustained VFib or pulseless Vtach. After CPR is performed, if available, an AED should be applied to attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm even before emergency services arrive.