DEFIBRILLATION (EXTERNAL): PERFORMING

Course overview

Defibrillation involves delivering an unsynchronized electrical current (shock) to the heart as treatment for cardiac arrest resulting from pulseless ventricular tachycardia (PVT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). Termination of PVT/VF is necessary to restore myocardial oxygenation, cardiac output, and systemic perfusion. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of external defibrillation. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.