Asystole & Idioventricular Rhythms — ECG Academy Lesson

Recognize asystole, pulseless electrical activity (PEA), idioventricular rhythm (IVR), and accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR). Use two-lead confirmation, separate ventricular escape from VT, and communicate the right level of urgency.

Learning Objectives

• Identify asystole on a rhythm strip and explain the two-lead confirmation protocol
• Describe why asystole is non-shockable and what information the monitor tech must communicate immediately
• Explain why PEA cannot be diagnosed from the monitor alone and how to describe it once bedside staff reports no pulse
• Recognize idioventricular rhythm as a slow ventricular escape rhythm and avoid overcalling it as VT
• Identify accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) and explain its significance as a reperfusion pattern