What is defibrillation?
Defibrillation is the sending of a powerful electric shock
through the heart. It is used when the heart stops beating
effectively, either by beating erratically or stopping
entirely. This shock is designed to pass through the heart
and restart the heart's natural beating rhythm.
What is a defibrillator?
Defibrillation is accomplished with a device called a
defibrillator. Doctors and nurses use the defibrillator by
holding electric paddles on the patient's chest or placing
pads on the patient's chest. The defibrillator generates the
electrical shock that is passed to the patient through the
paddles or pads.
When is defibrillation used?
Defibrillation is used when a patient's heart has stopped
beating effectively.
Does defibrillation always restart
the heart?
If the heart has lost all of its electrical activity or is
so severely damaged that it no longer has enough muscle to
pump blood through the body, defibrillation will usually not
be successful in restarting the heart.
Does defibrillation always restore
the heart's rhythm?
No. Unfortunately, most people die when the heart has
stopped beating. However, the defibrillator is the best
chance to restart the heart and restore the patient's heart
rhythm.
Should defibrillation be used on
all patients when their heart develops a life threatening
rhythm?
This is a discussion the patient and family should have with
the attending physician and the ICU staff. Since many people
will not benefit from use of the defibrillator, make sure a
discussion has been held with the doctor before choosing to
use this device.
Does defibrillation hurt?
Not usually, because the patient is not awake. If awake,
patients receive sedation and pain medication prior to the
defibrillation and they rarely recall the event.
Are there any potential
complications associated with defibrillation?
Sometimes the electrical current passing through the paddles
produces skin irritation.
What is an automatic external
defibrillator (AED)?
A new device, the automatic external defibrillator (AED), is
being used in many places outside the ICU. It is simple to
use and does not require a doctor or nurse to operate the
device. If a patient is to be resuscitated after the heart
stops beating effectively, defibrillation is often the only
chance to survive. The shock should be delivered as soon as
possible. This is why many facilities beyond hospitals, such
as airplanes, shopping malls and health clubs are adding
AEDs to emergency supplies.
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Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) |
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Defibrillation 
