The ‘D’ in AED. What exactly is ‘defibrillation’?

What is Defibrillation?

Defibrillation is a critical emergency medical procedure used to restore a normal heartbeat in individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It involves delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart through a device called a defibrillator (or an Automated External Defibrillator - AED). This shock helps reset the heart’s electrical activity, allowing it to resume normal function.

How Does Defibrillation Work?

The human heart relies on electrical signals to maintain a steady rhythm. During cardiac arrest, these signals can become erratic or stop altogether, leading to an immediate cessation of effective blood circulation. A defibrillator delivers an electric shock that depolarizes a large portion of the heart muscle, halting chaotic activity and giving the heart a chance to re-establish a coordinated rhythm.

Why is Defibrillation Important?

Defibrillation is crucial in saving lives because every second counts during cardiac arrest. Without intervention, a person’s chance of survival decreases by approximately 10% per minute. Prompt defibrillation significantly improves survival rates, particularly when combined with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The Role of AEDs in Public Safety

With increasing accessibility to AEDs, bystanders play a crucial role in emergency response. Many organizations advocate for widespread AED training to empower people to act swiftly in life-threatening situations. AEDs are designed for easy use, and many models provide automatic analysis of heart rhythms, ensuring that shocks are only delivered when necessary.

Defibrillation is a life-saving intervention that restores normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies. Whether performed by medical professionals or trained bystanders using AEDs, this procedure significantly improves survival chances. Raising awareness and ensuring widespread access to defibrillators will make a critical difference in saving South Australian lives!