Does a Defibrillator
Restart Your Heart?
Here at First Aid Accident & Emergency, we make it our mission to provide education surrounding defibrillators, including what they’re used for and how they work. We aim to raise awareness and help you understand how important defibrillators are so you will hopefully consider investing in one of these life-saving devices.
Read below as we explain one of the most frequently asked questions we receive concerning defibs—does a defibrillator restart your heart?
What are defibrillators used for?
Firstly, it’s important to understand why we use defibrillators and how they work. Defibs are used to detect any unnatural heart rhythms present within a patient’s heart when they suffer from a sudden cardiac arrest. One common example of an irregular or unnatural rhythm is the heart arrhythmia called Ventricular Fibrillation. When the heart is in Ventricular Fibrillation, its rhythm will become extremely chaotic to the point where it is quivering rather than beating as it should.
If an AED detects that Ventricular Fibrillation or another form or irregular rhythm is present, it will send a shock to the patient to return the heart to its natural rhythm. The defib will only send this shock if required—there won’t be an instance where a patient is unnecessarily shocked.
Will a defibrillator restart a stopped heart?
To put it simply, an AED will not restart a heart once it has completely stopped because that’s not what it’s designed to do. As discussed above, the purpose of a defib is to detect irregular heart rhythms and shock them back to normal rhythms, not to shock a heart back to life once it has flatlined.
The understanding that defibrillators are used to revive a stopped heart is one of the most common misconceptions out there—this probably has a lot to do with films and television programs that incorrectly show patients being zapped back to life. Learn more about some of the most common defibrillator myths in our blog post.
The Role of CPR in Conjunction with Defibrillators
While defibrillators are essential in treating sudden cardiac arrest, they are most effective when used alongside CPR. CPR keeps oxygenated blood circulating through the body, especially to vital organs like the brain, until a defibrillator can be used or emergency medical help arrives.
Without circulation, the heart’s muscle tissue can quickly deteriorate, reducing the effectiveness of defibrillation even when a shock is possible. By performing CPR immediately, you can preserve heart tissue, giving the person a better chance of survival when a defibrillator is used.
The best outcomes occur when bystanders act quickly. This is why people are encouraged to undergo CPR training, which often includes learning how to use a defibrillator. While AEDs are designed for ease of use, knowing how to perform CPR can buy valuable time in an emergency. Many public health organisations offer CPR courses to equip people with these skills, enabling them to respond confidently in an emergency.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Defibrillators
There are several myths about defibrillators that can cause hesitation during an emergency. Here are some of the most common ones, along with the facts:
- Myth: Defibrillators Restart a Stopped Heart
As explained earlier, defibrillators do not restart a heart that has stopped. They correct certain types of abnormal heart rhythms but are not effective in flatline situations. - Myth: Only Medical Professionals Can Use Defibrillators
AEDs are designed for public use. They provide clear, step-by-step instructions to guide the user through the process, making them safe and effective for anyone to use, even without medical training. - Myth: Defibrillators Are Dangerous to Use
Some people fear using a defibrillator because they think they might harm the patient or themselves. In reality, AEDs are equipped with safety features that ensure they won’t deliver a shock unless absolutely necessary. This makes them very safe to use in an emergency.
By dispelling these myths, more people can feel confident in using defibrillators and taking action when needed.
How to Learn Defibrillator Use: Enrol in CPR Courses
AEDs are designed to be user-friendly, but nothing compares to having proper training. CPR courses offer hands-on experience with using a defibrillator, giving you the confidence and skills to act quickly in an emergency. These courses teach you how to perform chest compressions and use an AED in conjunction with CPR, which is essential for improving a person’s survival chances.
Many organisations offer CPR and defibrillator courses that are open to the public. They typically take only a few hours to complete and provide invaluable knowledge that could save a life.
Should you purchase a defibrillator?
Due to the unpredictability of sudden cardiac arrest, we strongly urge anyone considering investing in a defibrillator to do so. CPR is an essential skill to have and it will be extremely beneficial when it comes to resuscitation—but unfortunately, CPR sometimes isn’t enough. Survival rates drastically increase when a defib is used to assist someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest compared to when only CPR is available.
If you would like to learn more about defibrillators, be sure to get in touch with the specialists at First Aid Accident & Emergency today. Browse our range of defibrillator bundles on our online shop or brush up on your CPR skills by booking in for one of our first aid and CPR courses via the online booking system.
Final Words
Defibrillators are life-saving devices that play a critical role in treating sudden cardiac arrest, but their purpose is often misunderstood. They do not restart a heart that has stopped but instead correct specific life-threatening arrhythmias like VF and VT. When used alongside CPR, defibrillators offer the best chance of survival in an emergency.
Learning how to use a defibrillator and getting certified in CPR are practical and potentially life-saving skills. Investing in AEDs for homes, workplaces, and public areas, along with widespread CPR training, could help save countless lives when every second matters.
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