When people think of a Defibrillator, they often imagine movie scenes where a patient’s heart stops, and the doctor shouts "Clear!" to restart it.
But is this really how it works?
Can a defibrillator bring someone back to life, or is that just something we see in movies?
Let’s explain how defibrillators work and if they can really bring someone back from the edge.
How the Heart Works?
Before understanding how a defibrillator works, something about the heart first needs to be learned.
Your heart is more than just a muscle; it has its own electrical system that governs how it beats.
This electrical system keeps the heartbeat in a regular rhythm as it moves blood throughout all parts of the body through its pumping operation.
Sometimes, things can go wrong.
Electrical System of the Heart
The electrical system of your heart is designed to keep your heart beating in a nice, steady rhythm.
It sends electrical impulses through your heart that make the heart muscles contract and pump blood.
When these electrical impulses become chaotic or irregular, the heart can go into an abnormal rhythm-an arrhythmia.
What Happens During Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a condition wherein your heart's electrical system goes haywire to the point where it simply stops beating effectively.
This is not the same as having a heart attack, which is brought about by a blockage.
In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, which may result in unconsciousness and, if left unattended, death.
So, where does the defibrillator come in? Does it save a person whose heart has stopped during cardiac arrest?
What is a Defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device used to electrically shock the heart in hopes of manually rebooting it and reviving a normal rhythm.
Not all defibrillators are the same, and different types exist that are designed for use in different scenarios.
Types of Defibrillators
There are two major types of defibrillators:
Automated External Defibrillator
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is what you see in airports, malls, and other public places. It is designed for quick use in emergencies when someone collapses.
Although it is a lifesaving device, AEDs are designed to be very easy to operate even if one does not have medical training.
These devices can automatically analyze the rhythm of the heart and determine if a shock is needed.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
An ICD, on the other hand, is surgically implanted inside a person who’s at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
This device constantly monitors the heart and can deliver a shock automatically if it detects a dangerous arrhythmia.
How a Defibrillator Works
A defibrillator works to save the life of a person whose heart is undergoing chaotic rhythm, like ventricular fibrillation or VT, by delivering an electric shock.
This shock interrupts the irregular signals and allows the heart to "reset" to a normal rhythm.
Delivering an Electric Shock
The electric shock applied by the defibrillator essentially "resets" the heart for a fraction of a second.
This pause allows the heart's own natural pacemaker-the SA node-to resume control and re-establish a normal life-sustaining rhythm.
Defibrillation vs. Cardioversion
It should be underlined that cardioversion and defibrillation are not exactly the same.
Whereas defibrillation is an urgent therapy to reinstate rhythm in the case of life-threatening arrhythmias, cardioversion usually means an elective medical treatment applied to less dangerous arrhythmias.
Can a Defibrillator Restart a Stopped Heart?
Now, the million-dollar question is, can a defibrillator actually restart a completely stopped heart?
The simple answer is no.
Defibrillators are phenomenally useful for the treatment of specific types of arrhythmias, but if the heartbeat of a person has completely stopped-a condition known as asystole, or flatline-then a defibrillator will be useless.
Defibrillators only work if the heart is in an abnormal rhythm with some electrical activity; they need something to "reset."
The Truth About Defibrillators and Flatlines
Contrary to the action of movies, a defibrillator cannot shock a flat-lined heart back to life.
If the heart is in asystole, defibrillation cannot work because there is no electrical activity to reset.
In such cases, immediate CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is required, where one manually pumps blood through the body and tries to get some electrical activity back into the heart.
Then, with the assistance of sophisticated medical processes, the heartbeat may be regained, but a single defibrillator cannot restore the heartbeat.
What Defibrillators Can and Can't Do?
It’s important to understand that while defibrillators are life-saving devices, they’re not miracle machines.
They can correct certain life-threatening arrhythmias, but they cannot revive a person whose heart has completely stopped.
They rely on some electrical activity in the heart to work.
The Importance of Timing in Cardiac Arrest
Timing is everything in cardiac arrest. The earlier the treatment, the better the survival rate of the patient.
This is where the term chain of survival comes in.
Chain of Survival
The chain of survival includes a series of crucial steps that should be taken during a cardiac arrest emergency:
Early recognition of cardiac arrest.
Immediate CPR to manually pump the heart.
Early defibrillation to restore a normal rhythm.
Advanced care provided by medical professionals.
If defibrillation occurs within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, the chances of survival increase significantly.
Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by about 10%.
CPR and Defibrillators: Working Together
Understanding how CPR and defibrillation work as a team is paramount.
CPR is continued to circulate blood to the vital organs until the defibrillator is ready or available.
Why CPR is Essential Before Defibrillation
When a person's heart is in an abnormal rhythm, CPR maintains a flow of oxygen throughout their body.
This can "buy time" and improve the possibility of a successful shock while CPR is being performed until a defibrillator is available.
How to Use an AED in an Emergency
Using an AED is easier than you may think.
If someone collapses and is not showing any signs of a pulse, the following may be done:
Turn on the AED.
Follow the voice instructions.
Put the electrode pads on the person's chest as shown.
Let the AED analyze the heart's rhythm.
If the AED advises you to deliver a shock, make sure no one, including you, is touching the victim and push the "shock" button.
When necessary, do not be afraid to use an AED. It is designed to talk you through every step.
Conclusion
Well, can a defibrillator restart a stopped heart? Not really.
While it is a life-saving device to treat lethal arrhythmias, defibrillators cannot restore life to a flatlined heart.
But they do play an important part in the chain of survival when someone is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.
It is the combination of CPR, fast deployment of an AED, and professional medical intervention that together offer a person the best opportunity to survive cardiac arrest.
FAQs
Can I use a defibrillator on a child?
Many automated external defibrillators include pediatric pads or a setting for children that will adjust the amount of the shock to a level suitable for younger people.
Can a defibrillator hurt a person?
The shock can be a little painful, but it is an infinitely small price to pay for a possible saving of their life. The opposite was not to use the AED at all, which could be deadly.
Is it safe to use an AED in the rain?
Yes, generally, but it would be best to keep the victim and the surrounding area dry to avoid any electrical hazards.
How much time is CPR given before defibrillation?
CPR should be initiated as soon as possible after cardiac arrest has been diagnosed. It should be continued until the AED is ready to deliver an electric shock.
Can a defibrillator be used on a person with a pacemaker?
Yes, you can use an AED; however, you should place the pads at least an inch away from the device.
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