When faced with the challenge of reviving a patient in cardiac arrest, paramedics rely on an arsenal of tools, techniques, and medications. Among these are two stalwarts of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS): amiodarone and lidocaine.

Although both drugs have long been included in protocols as viable options for shockable cardiac arrests, a new study published in Resuscitation sheds fresh light on their effectiveness, offering compelling insights into why lidocaine might deserve a closer look.

The research, led by Tanner Smida, MD/PhD candidate at West Virginia University, employed a meticulous approach known as “target trial emulation.” This method is designed to minimize bias in

observational studies, aligning results more closely with what randomized controlled trials would reveal.

The study analyzed data spanning five years, from 2018 to 2023, drawing on over 23,000 cardiac arrest cases treated by EMS professionals in real-world settings.