What You Can and Cannot Do With a Defibrillator

Lucy Dale

Published:14 January 2025

Defibrillators are life-saving devices designed to restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies. However, despite their widespread availability and ease of use, many people misunderstand their proper application and limitations. This guide breaks down what you can and cannot do with a defibrillator, providing essential insights to maximise its effectiveness in emergencies while debunking common myths.

What You Can Do With a Defibrillator

1. Restore Normal Heart Rhythm in Cardiac Arrest

Defibrillators are specifically designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) caused by irregular heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). By delivering an electrical shock to the heart, a defibrillator can reset the heart’s rhythm, allowing it to beat normally again.

Fact: Immediate defibrillation within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can double or triple survival chances.

2. Use It Without Medical Training

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are designed for use by laypersons with minimal or no medical training. Voice prompts and visual instructions guide users through the process, ensuring that anyone can act confidently in an emergency.

Can you trust yourself with an AED? Absolutely! Explore semi-automatic AEDs and fully automatic AEDs that simplify life-saving interventions.

3. Use the Same Device for Adults and Children

Many modern defibrillators, such as the iPAD series, are equipped with a paediatric mode or separate paediatric pads for use on children under eight years old. By adjusting energy levels, these devices ensure safe and effective treatment for all ages.

Ensure you have the right pads for every emergency. Check out child-specific electrode pads for your device.

4. Provide CPR Guidance

Some defibrillators include CPR metronomes and real-time feedback to assist users in performing high-quality chest compressions. These features are invaluable for ensuring effective resuscitation efforts before and after defibrillation.

Reminder: CPR and AEDs work best together. Learn more about community AEDs designed for accessible public spaces.

5. Use in Various Environments

Defibrillators are versatile and built to withstand diverse conditions. Whether in an office, a gym, or a rural setting, models with high IP ratings (e.g., IP55 or IP66) are designed to resist dust and water, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Discover indoor AEDs and rugged models ideal for challenging environments.

14 January 2025

What You Cannot Do With a Defibrillator

1. Restart a Heart That Has Completely Stopped

Contrary to popular belief, defibrillators cannot restart a heart that has no electrical activity (asystole). They are effective only for specific arrhythmias like VF or pulseless VT. In cases of asystole, high-quality CPR is the best intervention until advanced medical care arrives.

2. Substitute for CPR

Defibrillators are not standalone devices. They must be used in conjunction with CPR, which maintains oxygen circulation to vital organs. Skipping CPR while waiting for a defibrillator reduces survival chances significantly.

Tip: Always perform CPR while setting up the defibrillator.

3. Use on a Responsive Person

Defibrillators should never be used on someone who is conscious or breathing. These devices are intended for cardiac emergencies where the patient is unresponsive and has no signs of life.

4. Operate Without Battery or Maintenance

A defibrillator is only effective if it’s in good working condition. Neglecting regular checks, replacing expired batteries, or ignoring status indicators can render the device useless in an emergency.

Stay rescue-ready with replacement batteries and pads.

5. Use Around Flammable Substances

Defibrillators generate an electrical spark when delivering a shock, which can ignite flammable gases or liquids nearby. Ensure the environment is free from such hazards before use.

6. Apply on Wet Skin Without Precaution

While AEDs are designed for diverse conditions, they require dry contact with the skin for effective pad adhesion and energy delivery. In wet environments, dry the chest area thoroughly before attaching pads.

7. Diagnose or Monitor Ongoing Heart Conditions

Defibrillators are emergency devices and are not substitutes for diagnostic equipment like ECG monitors. They cannot provide ongoing heart monitoring or diagnose non-emergency arrhythmias.

Common Misconceptions About Defibrillators

Myth 1: AEDs Can Cause Harm if Used Incorrectly

Truth: AEDs are designed with safety mechanisms that prevent shocks unless needed. You cannot accidentally harm someone by using one.

Myth 2: Only Medical Professionals Should Use AEDs

Truth: Modern AEDs are built for use by the general public, with intuitive features that make them accessible to everyone.

Myth 3: You Can’t Use an AED on Someone With a Pacemaker

Truth: AEDs can be used on patients with pacemakers. Place the pads at least one inch away from the device to avoid interference.

How to Maximise Defibrillator Effectiveness

Ensure Accessibility: Place AEDs in high-traffic, visible locations with clear signage.
Train Staff and Community Members: Regular training improves confidence and response times.
Conduct Regular Maintenance: Check batteries, pads, and status indicators monthly.
Know Your Device: Familiarise yourself with its features, such as voice prompts and paediatric mode.

Equip your space with the best tools. Explore Philips HeartStart Defibrillators for reliable performance in emergencies.

Empower Yourself to Save Lives

Understanding what you can and cannot do with a defibrillator ensures you’re prepared to act effectively and confidently during cardiac emergencies. By debunking myths, embracing proper techniques, and maintaining these life-saving devices, we can build safer communities and workplaces.

Ready to take action? Explore Defib World’s range of AEDs and find the right defibrillator for your needs.