Final answer:
Hospitals use defibrillators, often in the form of paddles, for patient resuscitation. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are also used by nonmedical personnel and provide instructions for use. CPR is recommended before using an AED.
Step-by-step explanation:
In hospital settings, various types of resuscitation devices are utilized for emergencies, particularly during cardiac events. The most common device is a defibrillator, specifically designed to address life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
The hospital version often takes the form of defibrillator paddles that healthcare professionals use. For the public and in less clinical environments, such as public places and ambulances, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are widespread.
These AEDs provide verbal instructions, making them suitable for use by nonmedical personnel to potentially save a life during the critical first few minutes following a cardiac attack by reestablishing normal sinus rhythm.
When using a defibrillator, a large electrical charge is applied in a short burst via the paddles or electrode pads placed on the patient's chest. Before using an AED, it is recommended to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), as this can improve the chances of survival and the effectiveness of defibrillation.
AEDs are equipped with technology that can analyze the patient's heart rhythm and automatically deliver the shock with the appropriate energy and waveform needed to reestablish a normal heart rhythm.