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Related Experiment Videos

Automated external defibrillators appropriately recognize ventricular fibrillation in electromagnetic fields.

Brett T Stolzenberg1, Douglas F Kupas, Brian J Wieczorek

  • 1Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822, USA.

Prehospital Emergency Care
|January 16, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) function reliably in high electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This study found that AEDs correctly interpreted simulated cardiac rhythms and recommended appropriate defibrillation even in strong EMF environments.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Occupational Safety and Health
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility

Background:

  • Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are crucial for treating sudden cardiac arrest.
  • Industrial settings often feature high electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that can disrupt electronic devices.
  • The impact of EMFs on AED performance in industrial environments is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the performance of commercial AEDs when exposed to high electromagnetic fields.
  • To determine if EMFs interfere with AEDs' ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and recommend defibrillation.

Main Methods:

  • Three commercial AEDs were tested in a coal-fired electrical generation plant with EMFs ranging from 310 to 1,600 milligauss.
  • AEDs were connected to a signal generator simulating ventricular fibrillation, asystole, and normal sinus rhythm.

Related Experiment Videos

  • AED interpretations and defibrillation recommendations were assessed across different EMF levels.

    • Main Results:

    • All tested AEDs accurately recognized simulated rhythms (ventricular fibrillation, asystole, normal sinus rhythm) in all high EMF conditions.
    • AEDs appropriately recommended defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation.
    • No AED misinterpretations or inappropriate defibrillation events occurred.

    Conclusions:

    • High electromagnetic fields present in an electrical power plant do not impede the performance of commercial AEDs.
    • AEDs can be reliably used in industrial settings with significant EMFs.
    • The study supports the safe deployment of AEDs in electromagnetically challenging environments.