ABSTRACT
Defibrillators are devices used to restore normal cardiac rhythm by delivering a burst of electrical energy to the heart. This ‘burst’ depolarises all the myocytes essentially re-setting the electrical status of the heart and allowing co-ordinated myocardial depolarisation to occur again. Monophasic waveform: This is a damped sinusoidal wave. Current flows in one direction only, from one electrode to the other. Use of a defibrillator necessarily means discharging a large amount of energy. If this is not done safely it can lead to: burns, ignition of flammable material and gases, and electrocution of staff and patient. These risks can be minimised by: allowing only trained personnel to deliver shocks; and maintaining and checking defibrillator regularly. These risks can also be minimised by: placing defibrillator pads on dry skin correctly to ensure maximal contact and having regular training and simulation sessions.
