Electrical injury during "hands on" defibrillation-A potential risk of internal cardioverter defibrillators?
Despite clear guidance for the need for rescuers to avoid contact with a patient during external defibrillation, the advice regarding the potential dangers of rescuer contact during the firing of an internal cardioverter defibrillator [ICD] generally implies that such contact is safe. This case report describes documented nerve injury to a rescuer by a shock delivered from an ICD during chest compression on a patient in cardiac arrest. The authors also discuss the existing literature on the subject and make suggestions for future management.
Stockwell
Beverley
B
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
Bellis
Gareth
G
Morton
Geraint
G
Chung
Karen
K
Merton
W Louis
WL
Andrews
Neil
N
Smith
Gary B
GB
D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006336:Heart Massage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged