What is defibrillation?

Defibrillation is primarily defined as delivering an electrical shock to the heart in order to restore a normal rhythm. This process is crucial in emergency medical situations where a patient experiences life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The shock works by depolarizing the heart muscles, allowing for the electrical system to reset and potentially re-establish a coordinated heartbeat.

Recognizing defibrillation is vital in understanding how to manage cardiac arrest effectively. This intervention, typically performed with a device called a defibrillator, can significantly increase survival rates if applied promptly.