Defibrillation

• Therapeutic use of large amount of

electric current over a brief period of time.
• Depolarizes (stuns) an irregularly beating
heart allowing a more coordinated
contractile activity to resume
• “Defibrillator” is the device that
administers controlled electric shock
• Most important treatment for sudden
cardiac arrest patients with Ventricular
Defibrillation
Defibrillation
Defibrillation
• Upon recognition
of the situation,
ASSESS the
condition of the
victim

Call for Help or Activate

Medical assistance
 Defibrillation

Exposed
Chest
Check Pulse

Check Consciousness
Defibrillation

Perform CPR
Defibrillation
Attached Pads

AED Power On
Defibrillation
Analyze & stay clear for delivery of
shock (if indicated)
Defibrillation
• “Time” is the key
determinant for
the survival of
patients with V-
Fibrillation.
Defibrillation in children and infants

• Sudden witnessed collapse

• Manual type defibrillator or AED with
pediatric attenuator
• 2-4 joules /kg
• Shock delivery should occur as soon as
possible after compression
Respiratory Arrest and Rescue
Breathing
Respiratory Arrest
• Condition wherein there is cessation or
inadequate breathing to support life
• Causes:
– Obstruction (mechanical or anatomical)
– Diseases (COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia)
– Others: electrocution, drowning, suffocation,
external strangulation, etc.
Rescue Breathing
• Technique to provide oxygen to a
breathless person
• Ways:
1. Mouth to mouth
2. Mouth to nose
3. Mouth to mouth and nose
4. Mouth to stoma
5. Mouth to mask
6. Bag-valve mask apparatus
Mouth to mouth
Mouth to nose
Mouth to Stoma
Mouth to Mask
Bag-valve mask apparatus
Legal and Ethical issues
• Good samaritan.
• When to stop CPR:
– victim recovers
– another trained person takes over
– you are too exhausted to continue
– a valid DNR order is presented to the rescuer