Defibrillation
Defibrillation is a process where an electronic device is used to give an electric shock to the heart. This electric shot helps to reestablish normal contraction rhythms in a heart having dangerous arrhythmia or in cardiac arrest. Advances in electronics, in recent years, have meant that small portable defibrillators have become available. These are known as automated external defibrillators or AEDs.
All emergency personnel should be trained in the correct use of this equipment, and allowed to use a properly maintained defibrillator. Especially if they are likely to have to respond to cardiac arrest patients. This includes all first-responding emergency personnel, both hospital and non-hospital. It is essential to integrate early restarting of the heart into an effective emergency cardiovascular care system.
The aim of a training program is to provide participants with knowledge and skills, so as to ensure the effective treatment of a person suffering cardiac arrest. These skills may include the use of both AEDs and semi-automatic external defibrillators, and the heartstart defibrillator.
For efficient first aid in the case of cardiac arrest it is necessary to employ the four-part “chain of survival” concept.
Early Access – quickly calling the Emergency Medical Services system, 911.
Early CPR – promptly giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation when needed.
Early Defibrillation – having proper equipment and being trained to use it when indicated.
Early Advanced Cardiovascular Care.
To make early defibrillation possible, a defibrillator must be immediately available for emergency personnel responding to a cardiac arrest patient. Thus, all emergency ambulances and other emergency vehicles that respond to or transport heart patients should have a means of defibrillation available.
In addition, the American Heart Association recommends that AEDs be available, in any place where large numbers of people congregate. These places include airports, convention centers, sports stadiums, arenas, large industrial buildings, high-rise offices, health and fitness facilities, etc. CPR training is also available online.
