Ep006 Defibrillators: What They Really Do

2025-02-11

You’ve seen it in the movies—someone collapses, the hero grabs the defib, yells “Clear!” and shocks them back to life. But is that actually how defibrillators work? Most people think an AED jump-starts the heart, but the truth is very different. Defibrillators play a crucial role in cardiac arrest, but their job isn’t what Hollywood makes it out to be. In this episode, we uncover: What actually happens when you use a defib Why the heart needs a shock in some cases—but not others

You’ve seen it in the movies—someone collapses, the hero grabs the defib, yells “Clear!” and shocks them back to life. But is that actually how defibrillators work?

Most people think an AED jump-starts the heart, but the truth is very different. Defibrillators play a crucial role in cardiac arrest, but their job isn’t what Hollywood makes it out to be.

In this episode, we uncover:

What actually happens when you use a defib
Why the heart needs a shock in some cases—but not others
The biggest myths about defibrillators and cardiac arrest
How AEDs know exactly when to deliver a shock

Defibs are everywhere—shopping centres, sports clubs, public buildings, even outside pubs in country towns. But would you know how to use one in an emergency?

Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
https://firstaidshow.com.au/dailyminute

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#FirstAidShow #Defibrillator #AED #CardiacArrest #EmergencyResponse #BePrepared

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