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ABSTRACT Introduction: In 1988, a defibrillation/CPR protocol was phased in over 12 months for the management of ventricular fibrillation (VF) by ambulance officers, in the Geelong region of Victoria. This study reviews the three years following its inception. Study objective: To determine the success of this intervention in terms of survivors to hospital discharge, and compare this to the previous Australian and international literature. Methods: A retrospective case analysis of the initial three years from June 1988-June 1991. Ambulance case sheets and hospital records were studied for all patients where the protocol was exercised. Results: Of 125 cases studied, 46 were excluded. Fourteen (18%) of the 79 patients included survived to hospital discharge. Conclusion: The results compare favourably with previously published reports, and reaffirm early defibrillation as the key intervention in the management of VF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]