Table 1 Timeline of experimental protocol

"Departure" (T_{-3 min})

Initiation of the simulation:

Facilitator announces: "the ambulance is on the road -has been driving for app. 30 minutes."

Patient awake and stable, sinus rhythm and SpO₂ 99% on monitor.

Engages in a conversation with the physician to attract the physician's focus.

If physician stays focused on the monitor/defibrillator, conversation-time is prolonged.

T_{-0:15 min}

Patient develops VT, pulse rate 180, blood pressure 80/50 mmHg.

Complains about nausea and dizziness.

T_{0 min}

Rhythm changes to VF.

Unresponsive, vital signs absent

VF is intractable in the following 5 minutes, regardless of the treatment given.

T_{5 min}

VF changes to pVT sensitive to defibrillation.

pVT converts to SR if defibrillated

EMT offers help twice - enters only the patients' compartment if accepted by the physician.

T_{8 min}

Sinus rhythm reappears, regardless of the treatment given.

T_end

End of simulation. The patient is now somewhat responsive.