AED Protocol

[*Lifeguard*]

I had a question given to me in my Paramedic course:

“State the importance and rational for early defibrillation as it relates to the electrical phase verses mechanical phase, and to the PCP treatments and Protocols”.

The best answer I received:

The "electrical" phase of cardiac arrest is the short period of time that the myocardium is best able to respond to a defibrillatory shock. This happens within 4 minutes of arrest, and chances of success are reduced by approximately half for every minute of duration. The "mechanical" phase of cardiac arrest is a period that follows, approximately 4-8 minutes from time of arrest, with complete elimination of any type of contraction, fibrillatory or otherwise. This period is best treated with effective compressions to supplement any blood flow that the heart can generate. Following this is a metabolic phase that is highlighted by the buildup of metabolic waste products that must be eliminated/managed before attempting to manage the presenting problem.

Anybody have something to add?

[firedoc5]

I had a question given to me in my Paramedic course:

“State the importance and rational for early defibrillation as it relates to the electrical phase verses mechanical phase, and to the PCP treatments and Protocols”.

The best answer I received:

The "electrical" phase of cardiac arrest is the short period of time that the myocardium is best able to respond to a defibrillatory shock. This happens within 4 minutes of arrest, and chances of success are reduced by approximately half for every minute of duration. The "mechanical" phase of cardiac arrest is a period that follows, approximately 4-8 minutes from time of arrest, with complete elimination of any type of contraction, fibrillatory or otherwise. This period is best treated with effective compressions to supplement any blood flow that the heart can generate. Following this is a metabolic phase that is highlighted by the buildup of metabolic waste products that must be eliminated/managed before attempting to manage the presenting problem.

Anybody have something to add?

Earlier the defib, the better.