DEFIBRILLATION

Defibrillation is the delivery of a controlled electrical shock to the heart. It is the definitive treatment for certain life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT).

HOW DEFIBRILLATION WORKS

In VF, the heart’s electrical activity becomes disorganized, causing the heart muscle to quiver instead of contracting effectively. This prevents the heart from pumping blood, leading to cardiac arrest. Defibrillation works by delivering an electrical current that momentarily depolarizes the heart muscle. This allows the heart’s natural pacemaker to resume normal electrical activity and restore an organized heartbeat.

Pulseless VT is a rapid, regular heartbeat originating in the ventricles. Although there is electrical activity, the heart is not pumping blood effectively, resulting in no pulse. Defibrillation is also the treatment of choice for pulseless VT.

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AEDS)

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable electronic devices that can analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if needed. AEDs are designed to be used by both trained healthcare professionals and lay rescuers. They provide clear voice prompts that guide the user through the steps of defibrillation.

KEY FEATURES OF AEDS

• Rhythm Analysis: AEDs can automatically analyze the heart rhythm to determine if a shock is appropriate.
• Voice Prompts: AEDs provide clear voice instructions to guide the user through the process.
• Safety Features: AEDs have built-in safety features to prevent accidental shocks.

USING AN AED

The general steps for using an AED are:

1. Power on the AED.
2. Attach the AED pads to the victim’s bare chest, as indicated by the diagrams on the pads.
3. Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm.
4. If the AED advises a shock, ensure that no one is touching the victim and press the shock button.
5. After the shock, the AED will prompt you to begin CPR. Follow the AED’s instructions.

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DEFIBRILLATION

Early defibrillation is crucial for improving survival rates in victims of sudden cardiac arrest. The chances of successful resuscitation decrease significantly with each minute that passes without defibrillation. Therefore, rapid access to AEDs and prompt defibrillation are essential components of the Chain of Survival.