Abstract
The simultaneous use of 2 external defibrillators to administer either dual or sequential cardioversion or defibrillation for refractory cardiac arrhythmias is increasing in both the out-of-hospital and inhospital settings. Using 2 defibrillators to administer higher energy levels than can be achieved with a single defibrillator is considered off-label and is currently not part of published advanced cardiac life support guidelines. We report the first case in which the use of dual-dose cardioversion was associated with external defibrillator damage. Because defibrillator damage, especially if undetected, jeopardizes patient safety and off-label medical product use may void the manufacturer's warranty, this case should urge users to proceed with caution when contemplating this technique.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 109-112 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Annals of emergency medicine |
Volume | 71 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2018 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Emergency Medicine