Editor’s note: current  cardioversion (defibrillation) recommendations as of 2020 are:

1) for pulseless ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia: 120-200 joules biphasic initially, or 360 joules of monophasic, with repeat doses as needed at the same or higher levels

2) for narrow complex ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a regular palpable pulse: 50-100 joules synchronized

3)  for narrow complex VT with an irregular pulse: synchronized 120-200 joules biphasic or 200 joules monophasic

4) for wide complex VT regular pulse: 100 joules

5) wide complex VT irregular pulse – same as defibrillation (1 above)

For more information on cardioversion guidelines please click here

CJS