Imagine, someone you know, or someone you pass by, suddenly loses consciousness and falls to the ground. They don't breathe, they don't even feel their heart beating... Today we are talking about an amazing device that can save a life in such an emergency, a battle between life and death. Although many people have seen it in movies, few know how it actually works. This is the defibrillator.
Simply put, what is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a medical device that is used to restore a dangerous, irregular heartbeat rhythm by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart. More precisely, it temporarily stops the heart's electrical activity and gives it a chance to start a correct rhythm again.
This is mainly needed in cases of two abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that occur in the lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles, and can be immediately life-threatening.
1. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) (in the absence of a pulse) - The heart beats very rapidly, but ineffectively.
2. Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) - When the heart muscle contracts irregularly and without any coordination, as if it is quivering. In this case, the heart does not pump blood to the body at all.
Both of these conditions can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating completely.
Who needs this device?
We can see this in two main forms. One is those used in emergencies in hospitals and public places like airports and shopping malls. The other is devices given to patients at high risk of life-threatening heart rhythms for personal use.
Imagine, if someone suddenly has a cardiac arrest, every second that passes until the ambulance arrives or the person is taken to the hospital is very valuable. At that time , an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in a public place has a much greater chance of saving a life.
There are several types of personal defibrillators. The electric shock from these can sometimes be felt unnoticed, or it can feel like a hard blow to the chest.
| Equipment type | Description |
|---|---|
| Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD) | This is a device that is worn under clothing like a vest. The sensors attached to the skin constantly monitor the heart rate. If a dangerous rhythm is detected, it automatically delivers an electric shock. |
| Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) | This is a small device that is surgically implanted under the skin of the chest. It is like a pacemaker. But the specialty of this one is that it not only controls the heart rate if it slows down, but also detects a life-threatening rapid rhythm and delivers an electric shock to restore the heart to normal. |
How does a defibrillator work?
If someone suddenly falls unconscious, the first thing you should do is immediately call 1990 and notify the ambulance service. Then, if you are trained, you should start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) . CPR can help maintain oxygen supply to the brain and other organs until a defibrillator becomes available.
Once you receive a defibrillator (especially an AED), here's how to operate it:
1. Turn on the device: As soon as you press a button on most AEDs, it turns on and provides clear voice instructions on what to do next.
2. Attaching the Pads: The two adhesive pads attached to the machine should be removed from the patient's clothing and attached to the bare chest. One should be attached below the right shoulder and the other below the left nipple. The locations where the pads should be attached are shown in a diagram on the pads themselves.
3. Rhythm analysis: After attaching the pad, the machine will automatically analyze the heart rhythm. It is not recommended to touch the patient at this time. The machine will give a warning like "Analyzing heart rhythm, do not touch the patient".
4. Delivering an electric shock: If the machine determines that an electric shock is needed, it automatically charges and gives a signal to deliver the shock. Usually, you are instructed to press a large button.
Very important: Before pressing the shock button, shout "Everybody clear!" and make 100% sure that no one is touching the patient or the bed they are on. Otherwise, they could get electrocuted too.
This electrical shock causes the heart muscle to stop for a moment, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to take control again and begin a normal rhythm.
What happens after the shock?
After giving a shock, you should immediately start CPR again for two minutes. Only then should you check for a pulse and breathing. If the heart rhythm is still not restored, medical teams may give more shocks and medications such as epinephrine or amiodarone .
In some cases, the patient may remain unconscious even after the heart rate returns to normal. In such cases, therapeutic hypothermia may be performed in the hospital to reduce the risk of brain damage.
Benefits, risks, and recovery
| Section | What to know |
|---|---|
| Advantages | If a defibrillator is used for the correct heart rhythm (VF/VT) and at the right time (within 10 minutes), the potential for saving a life is enormous. |
| Risks | If a defibrillator is used on an abnormal heart rhythm, it can cause a dangerous heart rhythm (ventricular fibrillation) and cause the heart to stop. AEDs are designed to eliminate this risk. Because the device itself analyzes the rhythm and decides whether a shock is needed or not. |
| Recovery | Recovery from sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation is a long journey that can take months or years. There may be complications such as fatigue, possible rib damage during CPR, and difficulty walking. Treatments such as physical therapy and occupational therapy may be necessary. |
See your doctor.
If you have an ICD device, it is very important to see your doctor at regular intervals to make sure it is working properly. It usually requires surgery to replace the battery every 5-7 years. Never stop taking any medications your doctor has prescribed. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- A defibrillator is an essential life-saving device in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
- AEDs in public places can be easily used by even an untrained person by following voice instructions.
- Avoid touching the patient or the bed they are on when administering the electric shock. This is an extremely important safety measure.
- If you have an ICD device implanted, it is essential to maintain regular contact with your doctor and undergo regular checkups.
- If you see someone suddenly collapse, your first action should be to immediately call 1990 and summon the emergency ambulance service.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න