Final answer:
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) are life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias that require immediate medical attention. ALS for VF and pulseless VT involves prompt defibrillation to restore normal heart rhythm.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) are life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias that require immediate medical attention. VF occurs when the heart's electrical signals become disorganized, causing the ventricles to quiver instead of pumping blood effectively. Pulseless VT is a fast and irregular heart rhythm that can lead to cardiac arrest.
Advanced Life Support (ALS) is the next step in the cardiac arrest algorithm after basic life support (BLS) measures are initiated. For VF and pulseless VT, ALS includes prompt defibrillation using an automated external defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator.
Defibrillation delivers an electric shock to the heart, attempting to restore normal heart rhythm. If successful, the patient's heart may resume beating in a regular pattern.