Final answer:
Defibrillation is the standard treatment for shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which involve the application of a controlled electrical shock to reset the heart's electrical activity and establish a normal rhythm. External automated defibrillators enable quick intervention by laypersons in public spaces, increasing survival rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the heart enters into a shockable rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation (Vibe) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (Vatch), it beats erratically and is unable to pump blood effectively. This medical emergency, often referred to as 'code blue' in a hospital setting, can lead to brain death if not treated within minutes.
The standard treatment is defibrillation, which delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart to reset its electrical activity and allow the sinoatrial (SA) node to reinitiate a normal rhythm. External automated defibrillators (AEDs) have made it possible for nonmedical personnel to provide timely defibrillation in public settings, significantly increasing the chances of survival.
Defibrillation works by stopping the heart momentarily so that when it restarts, it can do so with a normal rhythm. It is a critical intervention for ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia—two conditions that are potentially fatal without immediate treatment.