Can you use an external defibrillator on someone with a pacemaker?

Can you use an external defibrillator on someone with a pacemaker?

Can you use a defibrillator on a person with a pacemaker? Yes. The important thing to do is make sure in this case that the pads (electrodes) do not come into contact with pacemaker. The upside of this is that the device will be visible and usually located on the upper left side of the persons chest.

Is pacemaker on left or right?

Generally, the generator will be placed on the nondominant side. (If you are right-handed, the device will be placed in your upper left chest. If you are left-handed, the device will be placed in your upper right chest).

How do you use an AED on someone with a pacemaker?

Most patients will have the device in their upper right chest, just where you would normally place an AED pad. You should avoid placing a pad directly over the device, if at all possible. When you are placing the AED pads on the patient’s chest, your goal is to “sandwich” the heart.

Can you shock someone with a pacemaker?

External defibrillation may still be necessary for a person with a pacemaker. If the implanted pacemaker delivers a low-energy shock while you are attempting to use an AED or another defibrillator, you simply wait for 30 to 60 seconds for the pacemaker to complete its therapy cycle before administering the shock.

Can a pacemaker be used as a defibrillator?

Yes. Although implantable pacemakers and defibrillators are designed to withstand external defibrillation, the implanted device can sustain damage if the external defibrillation electrode pads are placed too close to or directly over the device.

What are the risks of having a pacemaker implanted?

Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation risk The risks associated with getting a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted is high because of the importance of the device. The device could fail, it could cause infections, there may be implant complications and the implantation process may even lead to death.

What are the risks of having a defibrillator implanted?

The risks associated with getting a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted is high because of the importance of the device. The device could fail, it could cause infections, there may be implant complications and the implantation process may even lead to death.

What’s the difference between an ICD and a pacemaker?

An ICD differs from a pacemaker — another implantable device used to help control abnormal heart rhythms. You’ve likely seen TV shows in which hospital workers “shock” an unconscious person out of cardiac arrest with electrified paddles.