Final answer:
Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is a life-threatening heart condition treatable by defibrillation. A defibrillator applies an electrical shock to the heart to reset its rhythm, preventing potential brain death. External automated defibrillators (EADs) have made life-saving interventions more accessible in public spaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ventricular Fibrillation and Defibrillation Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is a type of heart arrhythmia classified as a shockable rhythm because it may be treated effectively with a defibrillator. When the heart enters V-fib, its electrical activity becomes chaotic, leading to irregular heartbeats that hinder effective blood pumping. Immediate medical attention is required, and the condition is often symbolized as 'code blue' in a hospital setting.
A common treatment involves external automated defibrillators (EADs) to deliver an electric charge that aims to reset the heart's rhythm. In the event of ventricular fibrillation, defibrillation is the application of an electrical current to the heart muscle, which momentarily stops the heart, allowing the sinoatrial (SA) node to reestablish a normal heart rhythm. This process can prevent brain death by restoring proper blood circulation if done shortly after the onset of V-fib.