Despite the clear benefits of defibrillators (AEDs), some businesses and organisations hesitate to introduce them in the workplace due to common misconceptions.
Defibrillators are life-saving devices that can dramatically increase survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. They’re designed to deliver a controlled electric shock to a person experiencing irregular cardiac rhythms.
By understanding and addressing common misconceptions about defibrillator use and functionality, businesses and organisations can make more informed decisions about this life-saving technology.
Myth 1: Defibrillation isn’t necessary because CPR is enough
While Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a vital component of emergency response, it’s not a standalone solution for sudden cardiac arrest.
CPR serves to maintain blood flow to vital organs, but it doesn’t address the underlying electrical problem in the heart that causes cardiac arrest.
Defibrillation is designed to correct abnormal heart rhythms, specifically ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. These conditions cause the heart to quiver ineffectively rather than pump blood.
A defibrillator delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart, momentarily stopping all electrical activity. This gives the heart a chance to reset and potentially resume a normal rhythm.
Studies have shown that the chances of survival decrease by 7-10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation. When CPR is combined with prompt defibrillation, survival rates can increase dramatically – up to 75 percent if defibrillation occurs within 3 minutes of collapse.
Myth 2: Defibrillators are only needed in large workplaces
This myth dangerously undermines the importance of widespread defibrillator availability.
Cardiac emergencies can and do occur anywhere, regardless of the size of the workplace.
Small and medium businesses can benefit from having a defibrillator on hand. The goal is to have these devices readily accessible within a 3 to 5 minute response time from any location.
Many jurisdictions now require or strongly recommend defibrillators. This recognition emphasises the fact that cardiac emergencies don’t discriminate based on location size.
Myth 3: Only medical professionals can use defibrillators
One of the most persistent myths about defibrillators is that they require medical expertise to operate. In reality, modern Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are specifically designed for use by the general public.
These devices incorporate user-friendly features such as clear voice prompts and visual instructions that guide users through each step of the process. From turning on the device to placing the pads correctly and delivering the shock, defibrillators provide comprehensive guidance.
Many defibrillators have sensors that detect if the pads are placed correctly, and also whether the chest compressions given during the intermittent CPR are fast or strong enough, providing feedback to the user. This ensures that individuals with no prior medical training can effectively use a defibrillator in an emergency.
Myth 4: Defibrillators are difficult to use and require extensive training
There’s also a common misconception that using a defibrillator is a complex process requiring extensive training.
While training can certainly boost confidence and efficiency, modern defibrillators are designed to be intuitive and straightforward to use.
The step-by-step voice and visual prompts provided by AEDs are comprehensive and easy to follow. They guide users through every stage of the process, from opening the device to positioning the pads and stepping away before shock delivery.
AEDs are equipped with rhythm analysis technology that determines whether a shock is necessary. This means the user doesn’t need to interpret complex medical data – the machine does this automatically.
Myth 5: Defibrillators are dangerous and can harm the user
Fear of personal harm is another barrier that often prevents people from using defibrillators.
But this fear is unfounded as AEDs are designed with multiple safety features to protect both the user and the patient.
The electrical current delivered by a defibrillator is directed through the pads to the patient’s chest. The current does not pass through the user’s body. As long as the user follows the instructions and doesn’t touch the patient during shock delivery, there’s no risk of receiving a shock.
AEDs are programmed to deliver a shock only when necessary. They analyse the patient’s heart rhythm and will not allow a shock to be delivered unless it detects a shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation.
Myth 6: Defibrillators can restart a stopped heart
This myth likely stems from dramatic portrayals in movies and television shows, where defibrillators are often shown bringing someone back to life after their heart has stopped.
This is not an accurate representation of how defibrillators work. Defibrillators are designed to correct certain irregular heart rhythms, primarily ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. In these conditions, the heart hasn’t stopped but is beating in a rapid, uncoordinated manner that prevents it from effectively pumping blood.
The shock delivered by a defibrillator essentially resets the heart’s electrical system, giving it a chance to re-establish a normal rhythm. It doesn’t restart a heart that has completely stopped beating.
Myth 7: Using a defibrillator can make things worse
There’s a misconception that using a defibrillator on someone who doesn’t need it could cause harm or worsen their condition.
This fear often leads to hesitation in emergencies. Thankfully, modern AEDs are designed with multiple safeguards to prevent inappropriate use.
AEDs are equipped with sophisticated sensors and analysis software that assess the victim’s heart rhythm. They will only advise and allow a shock to be delivered if a shockable rhythm is detected. If the heart is in a normal rhythm or has stopped beating, the AED won’t allow a shock to be delivered.
This means that even if a user mistakenly attempts to use a defibrillator on someone who isn’t in cardiac arrest, the device itself will prevent any harm from occurring.
The AED will simply inform the user that no shock is advised and will typically instruct them to keep performing CPR if needed.
Myth 8: You shouldn’t use a defibrillator if the person has a pacemaker
Another common misconception is that defibrillators cannot or should not be used on individuals with implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
It’s entirely safe and often necessary to use an external defibrillator on someone with an implanted cardiac device. While you should avoid placing the AED pads directly over the device - usually visible as a small bump under the skin near the collarbone - the presence of a pacemaker or ICD does not preclude defibrillator use.
Individuals with these implanted devices may be at higher risk for cardiac events, making the availability of an external defibrillator even more critical.
The external defibrillator can provide potentially life-saving therapy if the person’s implanted device fails or is overwhelmed by a severe arrhythmia.
Myth 9: Defibrillators are only needed in places with elderly people
While it’s true that the risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases with age, it’s a dangerous misconception to believe that only elderly individuals are at risk.
Sudden cardiac arrest can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults.
Each year, thousands of seemingly healthy young Australians experience sudden cardiac arrest. This can be due to undiagnosed heart conditions, genetic disorders, or other factors. Notable cases of young athletes collapsing on the field have highlighted this issue in recent years.
High-intensity sports, exposure to certain drugs or medications, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are just a few examples of situations that can trigger cardiac emergencies in younger individuals.
This highlights the importance of having defibrillators widely available in various settings – not just those frequented by older adults. Schools, sports facilities, shopping centres and workplaces should all consider having AEDs on hand to protect individuals of all ages.
Myth 10: Defibrillators are expensive and difficult to maintain
While the initial cost of purchasing a defibrillator is significant for small-to-medium enterprises, it’s important to consider the expense in the context of its potential life-saving value and the overall cost of workplace safety measures.
The cost of AEDs has decreased significantly as technology has advanced. An AED is an approximately once-in-a-decade purchase that can potentially save multiple lives in that time, so its life-preserving value is worth every dollar.
Modern AEDs are designed for minimal maintenance. Most perform regular self-tests to ensure they’re in working order. These tests typically check the battery life, integrity of internal circuits, and status of the electrode pads.
The main maintenance tasks for most AEDs involve replacing the battery and electrode pads when they expire. These tasks are usually simple and can be performed by anyone following the manufacturer’s instructions. Most AEDs carry an 8-year warranty for the unit hardware, and frequency of replacement varies by model but is typically every 2-5 years for batteries and 2-3 years for pads. Used pads must always be replaced.
Regular visual checks are usually sufficient for routine maintenance. This involves ensuring the device is clean, free from physical damage and the status indicator shows it’s ready for use.
Conclusion
Debunking these ten common myths about defibrillators shows these devices are safe, user-friendly and critical tools in responding to sudden cardiac arrest.
When used in conjunction with CPR, defibrillators significantly increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. They’re designed for use by the general public, with built-in safeguards and user guidance that make them accessible to individuals without medical training.
The importance of having defibrillators readily available in diverse locations cannot be overstated. Cardiac emergencies can occur anywhere, to anyone, regardless of age or perceived health status.
In a cardiac emergency, time is of the essence. By understanding the true nature of defibrillators and dispelling these common myths, more individuals can act quickly and confidently when every second counts.
In the event of a cardiac arrest, calling Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance, starting CPR and using an AED as soon as possible provide the best chance of survival.
References
NSW Health - Cardiac arrest and defibrillators - A guide for consumers
WorkSafe Victoria - Call for more life-saving defibrillators in the workplace
ABC - Automated external defibrillator saves tradie’s life after workplace cardiac arrest