AED's should not be a problem, but poor paddle contact with a manual defib
might be, since electricity takes the line of least resistance. The DC shock
would normally travel from paddle to paddle across the heart, and so long as
there is no "easier" route (eg a salt water bridge on a near-drowned
patient), the shock ought to be effective and safe. Besides, prehospital
patients are normally wearing dry clothes which provide effective electrical
insulation from the metal scoop (not true around the waist perhaps, but
often covering the back of the chest.)
?Just a case for sensible precautions ??
Rob Cocks HK
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From: acad-ae-med-request
To: INTERNET:[log in to unmask]
Subject: Defibrillation and metal stretchers
Date: Monday, February 15, 1999 9:54AM
I would be grateful of any knowledge about the effects of defibrillating
someone on a metal stretcher e.g. Scoop or Dynamed folding metal stretcher.
Med-ALERT and British Aerospace have registered a design for a disaster use
long board and whilst we all know not to hang onto the stretcher when the
buttons are pushed, does the broad and effective earthing of the back
affect the quality of the delivered shock? Does anyone know? If not, does
anyone know how to test it without suicidal volunteers?
Answers please, as soon as possible. It's SP Services that asked the
question.
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