Automated external defibrillators: safety and efficacy in children and adolescents.
Although children do not suffer from ventricular fibrillation (VF) as frequently as adults, it does occur in 10% to 20% of pediatric cardiac arrests. The technology is available to recognize and treat ventricular fibrillation in children as quickly as we can for adults. This article discusses the evidence to support automated external defibrillator use in young children. As this technology gains increased acceptance, resuscitation rates and outcomes for VF in children should approach those that are seen in adults.
Atkins
Dianne L
DL
Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. dianne-atkins@uiowa.edu
Kenney
Melanie A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006801:Humans; D012151:Resuscitation; D012449:Safety; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity