Automated external defibrillators appropriately recognize ventricular fibrillation in electromagnetic fields.
OBJECTIVE
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are increasingly available in industrial settings, but many industries have high electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which can interfere with the function of electronic devices. This study evaluated the performance of several AEDs when exposed to high EMFs.


METHODS
Three commercially available AEDs were evaluated in the setting of a public utility coal-fired electrical generation plant. Each AED was placed in three areas of high EMF ranging from 310 to 1,600 milligauss. A signal generator, used to simulate various cardiac rhythms, was connected to the AEDs. Rhythms simulated were ventricular fibrillation, asystole, and normal sinus rhythm. Each of the AED's interpretations of various rhythms were evaluated in the different EMF settings.


RESULTS
Rhythms of ventricular fibrillation, asystole, and normal sinus rhythm were correctly recognized by each AED in each of the three areas of high EMF. Each AED appropriately recommended defibrillation when presented with ventricular fibrillation. No misinterpretations or inappropriate defibrillations were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Electromagnetic fields generated by an electrical power plant did not interfere with three commercial AEDs' abilities to correctly interpret simulated rhythms and recommend appropriate defibrillation.
Stolzenberg
Brett T
BT
Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822, USA.
Kupas
Douglas F
DF
Wieczorek
Brian J
BJ
Sole
David P
DP
D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*