icon
Book a course Phone Australia Wide First Aid0734377500
First Aid Glossary / First Aid Glossary
Debriefing Debriefing Diabetes Diabetes

Defibrillation

TL;DR

Administering a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

What is Defibrillation?

Defibrillation is a critical medical procedure used to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

The procedure involves delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the heart using a device called a defibrillator. This electrical shock can restore a normal heart rhythm by depolarizing a large portion of the heart muscle and allowing the body's natural pacemaker to re-establish an effective rhythm.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are commonly found in public places and can be used by laypersons with minimal training, significantly increasing the chances of survival in cardiac emergencies.

When using an AED, it is crucial to ensure the safety of the rescuer and bystanders by following the device's voice and visual prompts. The AED guides the user through the process, from attaching electrode pads to delivering a shock if a shockable rhythm is detected.

Continuous CPR should be performed until the AED is ready to analyse the heart's rhythm, and rescuers should ensure no one is touching the casualty during the analysis and shock delivery.

Early defibrillation, combined with effective CPR, significantly improves the survival rates of cardiac arrest casualties. The prompt use of an AED can mean the difference between life and death, as every minute of delay decreases the chances of survival by approximately 10%.

Defibrillation</dfn>

Use of a defibrillator to restore normal heart rhythm in cardiac arrest.

Steps for Defibrillation

  • Turn on the AED: Follow the visual and voice prompts.
  • Attach Electrodes: Place the pads on the casualty's bare chest as shown on the AED.
  • Analyze Rhythm: Allow the AED to analyze the heart's rhythm.
  • Deliver Shock: If advised by the AED, ensure no one is touching the casualty and press the shock button.
  • Continue CPR: Resume CPR immediately after the shock and continue until help arrives.

Takeaway to remember

Defibrillation is the administration of an electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest. This is done using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Reference

Debriefing Debriefing Diabetes Diabetes