Final answer:
Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening cardiac emergency caused by disrupted electrical activity in the heart, potentially triggered by low-voltage electric shocks. Treatment involves defibrillation, often with the aid of External Automated Defibrillators (EADs) found in public locations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ventricular fibrillation is a severe cardiac condition that occurs when the electrical activity of the heart is disrupted, causing the heart to beat in an irregular and ineffective manner which can be fatal due to the disruption of blood circulation. This condition can be induced by an electrical shock with a voltage low enough to be within the threshold range of 100 to 300 milliamperes (mA). The most common treatment for ventricular fibrillation is defibrillation, which applies a charge to the heart from an external source using special paddles, with the intent to reestablish a normal sinus rhythm.
External Automated Defibrillators (EADs) have become commonplace in public areas to provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing ventricular fibrillation. These devices contain easy-to-follow instructions allowing nonmedical personnel to potentially save a life by performing defibrillation. Without immediate treatment like defibrillation, ventricular fibrillation may quickly lead to brain death, highlighting its urgency as a medical emergency often referred to as 'code blue' in hospitals.