Are Defibrillators Effective?
Defibrillators are extremely effective when used correctly and when they are used within the first minute of a victim collapsing. Only 3% of defibrillators are used outside of hospitals and the survival rate for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is low if defibrillation is not done properly. Knowing how to use a defibrillator is vital in these situations:
- To prevent or correct an arrhythmia
- To correct a heartbeat that is too slow
- To regulate a heartbeat that is too fast
- To restore the heart if it suddenly stops (also known as a cardiac arrest)
How do defibrillators work?
A defibrillator is a life-saving device that gives out a high energy electric shock to the heart of a cardiac arrest victim through the chest wall. The shock itself is called defibrillation, and it is an essential tool in saving the life of a victim.
If the defibrillation is administered within the first minute of the arrest, the survival rate can climb to 90%. The survival rate will reduce as time progresses. For example, if it is used within the first 3 to 5minutes, this rate drops to 74%.
Why are there different types of defibrillators?
Different types of defibrillator work in different ways depending on the heart-rate and issue. These are the three types of defibrillator:
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
- Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD)
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
An AED is the type of defibrillator that is available in a public space. This type is also known as a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) as anyone can use them in an emergency. You will be able to find this type in workplaces, airports, shopping centres and train stations, for example.
You would use this defibrillator to save the life of a victim experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest, and you can administer defibrillation to a victim even if you are untrained in an emergency context.
The AED itself is lightweight, portable, and battery-operated. Sticky pads are attached to the chest with electrode sensors. These sensors send information to the computer within the AED to analyze the heart rhythm and administer an electric shock if needed.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
This type of defibrillator is used to treat heart arrhythmias. An arrhythmia is an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm. ICD’s are surgically placed within the chest or abdomen where they can monitor these rhythms. When the ICD detects a change in rhythm or an interruption of blood flow, a shock will be sent to correct this.
The shock itself can either be low-energy or high-energy, depending on what is needed. You may think that this is similar to a pacemaker, but pacemakers only deliver low-energy electrical shocks. Alternatively, the ICD is able to adjust to what is needed.
If you are fitted with an ICD, your device will be programmed to respond to the arrhythmia you are most likely to have, but the ICD is brilliant at fine-tuning your heart’s electrical activity and patterns.
Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD)
The easiest way to describe a WCD is that it’s very similar to an ICD, but it is not surgically placed within the chest or abdomen. Instead, this wearable defibrillator can be worn as a belt and vest under clothing.
The device is programmed to detect a specific heart rhythm and it notifies the wearer with an alert. If the victim feels that it isn’t needed they are able to prevent the shock from happening, but if it is not prevented within 1 minute, the shock will be administered.
Alternate to the other defibrillators, the sensors must be replaced after each use and the device can also send a record of the heart’s activity to a doctor or specialist.
Always stay educated…
Having the knowledge and education surrounding defibrillators is essential in saving the life of a victim. Paired with good knowledge of CPR, the survival rate can easily increase.
For more information surrounding defibrillators, do not hesitate to visit our website or contact us at 01686 611 377.
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