title: Reconfirmation algorithms should be the standard of care in automated external defibrillators.
abstract: Non-sustained and self-terminating arrhythmias pose a significant challenge during resuscitation. Delivery of a defibrillation shock to a non-shockable rhythm has a poorly understood effect on the heart. The importance of assessing rhythm right up until the delivery of a shock is of increased importance when "blind" shocks are being delivered by automatic defibrillators or minimally trained rescuers. Reconfirmation algorithms are common in current-generation implantable defibrillators but this investigation of current-generation AEDs shows that only 71% of devices presently available have reconfirmation algorithms. A case of spontaneous reversion of a non-sustained arrhythmia is presented. The implications of delivering a defibrillator shock to a non-shockable rhythm are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Department. St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia. sfaddy@stvincents.com.au
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Faddy
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D047548:Defibrillators; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy