What is a defibrillator really for?

Question

In the Netherlands, there is a campaign going on to get as many people as possible to buy a defibrillator (approx. $600). The point is that when a heart attack is reported to the emergency services, the operator can give the caller the addresses of the nearest people who own one so the rescue efforts can start before the ambulance get there. After all, "the first six minutes are critical for the victim's survival".

As of late, I have begun hearing conflicting stories about these devices however. Some say that defibrillators are always helpful, even in cases of full cardiac arrest, while others claim that defibrillators only work when the heart is 'fibrillating' (extremely rapid spasms) and only serves to normalize the heartbeat.

My question of course is, who is right?

Answer 4 is going to get the ten points but I won't be online to give them today.

Answer 1

Defibrillators are used to treat the most common cardiac rhythm seen in cardiac arrest. Added in edit: It looks like both sides of the things you've heard are partly right, but incomplete.

Cardiac arrest means that the heart stops functioning. There may be some electrical impulses, but whether there is electrical activity or not, the heart is not pumping blood.

Ventricular fibrillation is one type of abnormal heart rhythm that causes the heart to stop functioning-stop pumping blood- mainly because the electrical impulses are so chaotic that the heart muscle can not beat well enough to circulate blood. Ventricular Fibrillation is the most frequently seen electrical rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest. The sooner V-fib is treated the better chance there is that a normal rhythm can be restored and the heart can begin beating well enough to circulate blood again. This is why people are being urged to learn CPR and also be trained to use and know the location of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Defibrillation is the only effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation. Defibrillation delivers a precisely measured electrical 'shock' to the heart, the shock will often allow the heart to resume a normal electrical rhythm and begin functioning normally again. Defibrillation can also be used for certain types of Ventricular Tachycardia-which is another dangerous electrical rhythm of the heart that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Automatic External Defibrillators are designed to be used by trained lay-people. This device recognizes cardiac rhythms and will deliver a shock if it is appropriate.

To me, "full arrest" implies that the heart is not pumping blood, so there is no pulse, and that the person is not breathing. I suppose that people speaking of full arrest could be referring to asystole, which means there is no cardiac electrical activity at all, and so the heart is not beating. Defibrillation alone is unlikely to treat asystole, however, asystole usually comes after ventricular fibrillation...in other words ventricular fibrillation occurs first then if it is not treated and normal heart function restored then all electrical activity in the heart stops (asystole)-so having AEDs available is still a good goal

Answer 2

It's only helpful if the heart is in ventricular fibrillation (the "fibrillating"/"extremely rapid spasms" you mention above) or in ventricular tachycardia.

On the other hand, a LOT of cardiac arrests are from ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia so having a defibrillator handy can be lifesaving in these situations... especially if the paramedic response time is greater than 5 minutes (and it's greater than 5 minutes in most places!).

A common design is for the defibrillator to be automated - called an automated external defibrillator (AED). With this design, the rescuer attaches the leads to a victim's chest and then the defibrillator analyzes the victim's rhythm. If the rhythm is ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, the AED will order everyone to stand back and then deliver the appropriate shocks. It's pretty cool to see them in action.

Answer 3

I guess it more to get a normal rhythm. But, I was under the impression it start a stopped heart also.
Defibrillator - This is an electrical device with two paddles that are placed on your chest. It discharges electricity through your heart when a lethal rhythm is present. The goal is to shock the heart back to normal. "Lethal rhythms" include ventricular fibrillation (rapid, unsynchronized, uncoordinated heartbeat) and ventricular tachycardia (rapid heartbeat that prevents the heart from pumping properly). It can also be used in less dangerous rhythms to return the heart to a normal rhythm.
http://people.howstuffworks.com/emergency-room7.htm

Here in the USA people can be certified through the American Red Cross and other places to use a defibrillator.
Guess it time to update my CPR training and know for sure.

Answer 4

Dear Asker!
Here are some knowledges about the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.

Treating Abnormal Heart Rhythms: ICD

Treatment for abnormal heart rhythms is possible with an ICD or implantable cardioverter defibrillator. An ICD is an electronic device that constantly monitors your heart rate and rhythm. When it detects a very fast, abnormal heart rhythm, it delivers energy to the heart muscle. This causes the heart to beat in a normal rhythm again.

The ICD has two parts: the lead(s) and a pulse generator. The lead(s) monitor the heart rhythm and deliver energy used for pacing and/or defibrillation (see below for definitions). The generator houses the battery and a tiny computer. Energy is stored in the battery until it is needed. The computer receives information from the leads to determine what rhythm is occurring.

There are different types of ICDs, including:

Single chamber ICD. A lead is attached in the right ventricle. If needed, energy is delivered to the ventricle to help it contract normally.
Dual chamber ICD. Leads are attached in the right atrium and the right ventricle. Energy is delivered first to the right atrium and then to the right ventricle, helping your heart to beat in a normal sequence.
Biventricular ICD. Leads are attached in the right atrium, the right ventricle and the left ventricle. This technique helps the heart beat in a more balanced way and is specifically used for patients with heart failure.
Your doctor will determine which type of ICD is best for you.

How Does an ICD Work?

The ICD monitors the heart rhythm, identifies abnormal heart rhythms, and determines the appropriate therapy to return your heartbeat to a normal rhythm. Your doctor programs the ICD to include one or all of the following functions:

Anti-tachycardia Pacing (ATP). When the heart beats too fast, a series of small electrical impulses are delivered to the heart muscle to restore a normal heart rate and rhythm.

Cardioversion. A low energy shock is delivered at the same time as your heartbeat to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Defibrillation. When the heart is beating dangerously fast, a high-energy shock is delivered to the heart muscle to restore a normal rhythm.

Bradycardia pacing. When the heart beats too slow, small electrical impulses stimulate the heart muscle to maintain a suitable heart rate.

Who Is a Candidate for an ICD?
ICDs are used for:

People who have had an episode of sudden cardiac death or ventricular fibrillation.
People who have had a heart attack and are at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
People who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and are at high risk for sudden arrest.
People who have had at least one episode of ventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm.

In the case of full cardiac arrest, the best way to save the patient is to do the CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
The ICD main purpose is to prevent dangerous cardiac arrythmias that might result in cardiac arrest.

After reading the above facts, it's now the time for you to have your own judgments!

Hope that may help you!
Good luck!

Answer 5

I have my own built in defibrillator.
I have Ventricular Arrhythmia.

Answer 6

it's for a jump start.when the heart stops.

Answer 7

they tend to make weiners really stiff