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What Is Defibrillator? Guide to Know How It Saves Lives

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Defib Plus Ltd
What Is Defibrillator? Guide to Know How It Saves Lives

Defibrillators are instrumental in preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) deaths, but how do they actually work? Though different types of defibrillators have different mechanisms behind them, they all operate on the same basic principle: using controlled electric shocks to prevent cardiac arrest or to restart a heart that no longer beats.

This equipment is used to treat people who have had a sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital.

In the Commercial AED UK this happens to around 30,000 people each year. NHS records show that only around one in five of them survive. However, their chances improve dramatically if emergency treatment is provided as soon as possible.

Types of Defibrillators - There are three main types of defibrillators:

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
Wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs)
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD)

How Does a Defibrillator Work

A defibrillator is designed to correct or restore a heartbeat with the use of electric pulses or shocks. In a general sense, it can:

1. Correct the kinds of heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) causing cardiac arrest, specifically ventricular fibrillation, and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

2. Restore a normal heartbeat in a cardiac arrest sufferer

AEDs first analyze heart rhythms and provide the shock needed for defibrillation. Through electrodes placed on a patient’s chest a processor inside the AED Supplier UK analyzes the victim’s heart. The machine will not shock unless it is necessary; AEDs are designed to shock only when VF, a common cause of cardiac arrest, is detected.

After the processor analyzes the heart rhythm and determines a shock is required, an electric current is delivered to the heart through the victim’s chest wall through the adhesive electrode pads. The shock delivered by a cardiac defibrillator interrupts the chaotic rhythm and allows it to return to normal.

Defibrillators role in Save Lives

If you’ve experienced a cardiac arrest or you’re at a heightened risk for SCA, speak to your doctor about whether wearable or implantable defibrillator is right for you.

If you’re simply looking to protect yourself or others in your home or place of business, consider investing in an automated external defibrillator. Anyone can establish an AED program, and it may just save a life one day. Having a Defibrillator Advice for Business on the premises gives victims of SCA the best chance of survival until paramedics arrive and take over care.

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