protocol for manual defibrillators

Procedure

• turn on debrillator
• 360 J for monophasic defibrillators
• select 200 J for biphasic defibrillators
• set 'lead select' switch to 'paddles' or lead 1, 2 or 3
• apply gel to paddles or position conductor pads on chest
• position paddles or pads sternum-apex
• visually check monitor display & assess rhythm

• if monitor indicates shock (VF/VT)
  • announce 'Charging defibrillator - stand clear!'
  • charge debrillator when clear
    • charge button is on apex paddle (right hand) or defibrillator controls
  • when charged,
    • announce
      • 'I will shock on a count of 3'
      • '1. I/m clear'
      • '2. you're clear'
      • '3. everybody's clear'
    • verify everyone clear (no one touching patient)
    • apply 25 lbs of pressure on both paddles
    • press 2 paddle discharge buttons simultaneously

• check the monitor
  • if monitor indicates shock (VF/VT),
    • recharge defibrillator (check pulse if rhythm in question)
    • shock again (as above) at 300 J
    • repeat & reshock 360J if indicated

• in general shock in sets of 3 without CPR or pulse checks CPR for one 1 minute, between sets of 3 shocks

More general terms

• protocol

Additional terms

• advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
• defibrillation (electrical cardioversion, automated external difibrillation, AED)