Defibrillation

What Does Defibrillation Mean?

Defibrillation is the administration of controlled electric shock treatment in order to restore the proper rhythm of the heart. It is an important part of the process of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

A defibrillator is the only way to reverse lethal cardiac arrest rhythms. Every minute without defibrillation will reduce the risk of survival by 10%. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an external, compact, portable version of a defibrillator that can be installed in the workplace.

Safeopedia Explains Defibrillation

Defibrillation is perfectly safe, even for the inexperienced user. A defibrillator will only give a patient a shock if it senses a lethal rhythm by way of electrodes that are attached to the patient's chest. If the electrodes on the defibrillator detect a normal heart rate, they will not provide a shock. Any person who has basic CPR training will be able to use a defibrillator. Each unit also contains a full set of operating instructions.