Why is early defibrillation important in cardiac arrest cases?

Why is early defibrillation important in cardiac arrest cases?

• A. It decreases the need for CPR
• B. It increases the chances of survival significantly
• C. It prevents the need for oxygen
• D. It stabilizes blood pressure immediately

Answer: (B)

Early defibrillation is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest because it significantly increases the chances of survival. When a person experiences a cardiac arrest, their heart may go into a chaotic rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation, which prevents it from pumping blood effectively. The sooner that defibrillation is applied, the greater the likelihood that this electrical shock will restore a normal heart rhythm and allow the heart to start effectively circulating blood again. Research has shown that each minute that passes without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by approximately 7-10%. This means that prompt use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) or other defibrillation method can be life-saving, thereby underscoring the importance of speed in emergency response situations. The immediate restoration of a normal rhythm enhances the prospects for survival and recovery, making early defibrillation a key component of effective cardiac arrest management.

Early defibrillation is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest because it significantly increases the chances of survival. When a person experiences a cardiac arrest, their heart may go into a chaotic rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation, which prevents it from pumping blood effectively. The sooner that defibrillation is applied, the greater the likelihood that this electrical shock will restore a normal heart rhythm and allow the heart to start effectively circulating blood again.

Research has shown that each minute that passes without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by approximately 7-10%. This means that prompt use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) or other defibrillation method can be life-saving, thereby underscoring the importance of speed in emergency response situations. The immediate restoration of a normal rhythm enhances the prospects for survival and recovery, making early defibrillation a key component of effective cardiac arrest management.