Procedure

Defibrillation

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Defibrillation, Unsynchronized shock

  • See Also
  1. Defibrillator Equipment
  2. Synchronized Cardioversion
  • Indications
  1. Ventricular Fibrillation
  2. Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia
  • Types
  1. Monophasic
    1. Shock one-way travels from one electrode to another
  2. Biphasic
    1. Shock round-trip travels from one electrode to another and back again
  • Doses
  1. Pediatric
    1. Initial: 2-4 J/kg
    2. Subsequent: 4 J/kg
    3. May increase up to 10 J/kg (or maximum adult dose)
  2. Adult
    1. Monophasic: Start 200 J (may increase to 300 J, then 360 J)
    2. Biphasic: Start 120-200 J (use manufacturers recommendations per specific device)
  • Technique
  • Pearls for successful Defibrillation
  1. Successful Defibrillation of Ventricular Fibrillation requires Defibrillation of 95% of the heart
  2. Lateral pad placement over the cardiac apex is important for success
  3. Reduce impedence (minimize barriers to electrical transmission)
    1. Stop bag-valve-mask during Defibrillation (air in chest increases impedence)
    2. Dry a diaphoretic patient
    3. Shave excessive hair interfering with transmission
  4. Optimize perfusion
    1. Optimal Chest Compressions
    2. Epinephrine
  5. Consider double sequential external Defibrillation
    1. Two Defibrillators attached to chest for simultaneous shock
    2. Doubles current delivered to the heart
  6. References
    1. Shinar and Cheskes in Herbert (2016) EM:Rap 16(6): 5-6