Thanks doc! How do we tell if AED is the right answer? You said there are three reasons for fainting but only one requires AED, how do we rule out the others? If AED is applied on a faint but normal heartbeat, will it have the opposite effect (stop it)?
AEDs are smart and will analyze the heart rhythm and advise to shock only if it recognizes a shockable rhythm. So if it's any of the other possibilities, it won't advise to shock. That's why it's always appropriate to try them.
The reply that was already made is exactly spot on. An AED will analyze the rhythm once the pads are applied and it will not direct you to deliver a shock if the rhythm is not ventricular fibrillation. So it never hurts to put on the defibrillator pads and follow the instructions.
Thank you all for the clarification! I learned something new. I'll run for an AED and follow the audio instructions and let it guide me if I ever run into this. Appreciate the PSA!
@@Algalkacyo Great question. I don't know what the heart rate cutoff is for commercial AED's, but any very fast rhythm (VT or VF) should result in recommendation to shock. Note that the slower the ventricular tachycardia is, the less likely it would result in sudden collapse. Slower v.tach usually results in significant symptoms but not sudden cardiac arrest and in that circumstance the paramedics will follow a bit of a different treatment course because the patient is not usually lying unconscious and motionless.
Great message. Thanks, Doc.
Thanks doc! How do we tell if AED is the right answer? You said there are three reasons for fainting but only one requires AED, how do we rule out the others? If AED is applied on a faint but normal heartbeat, will it have the opposite effect (stop it)?
AEDs are smart and will analyze the heart rhythm and advise to shock only if it recognizes a shockable rhythm. So if it's any of the other possibilities, it won't advise to shock. That's why it's always appropriate to try them.
The reply that was already made is exactly spot on. An AED will analyze the rhythm once the pads are applied and it will not direct you to deliver a shock if the rhythm is not ventricular fibrillation. So it never hurts to put on the defibrillator pads and follow the instructions.
@@dr.joshuacooper-arrhythmia9917what about VT? Does it only shock during VF?
Thank you all for the clarification! I learned something new. I'll run for an AED and follow the audio instructions and let it guide me if I ever run into this. Appreciate the PSA!
@@Algalkacyo Great question. I don't know what the heart rate cutoff is for commercial AED's, but any very fast rhythm (VT or VF) should result in recommendation to shock. Note that the slower the ventricular tachycardia is, the less likely it would result in sudden collapse. Slower v.tach usually results in significant symptoms but not sudden cardiac arrest and in that circumstance the paramedics will follow a bit of a different treatment course because the patient is not usually lying unconscious and motionless.