Every second counts: innovations to increase timely defibrillation rates
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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Advanced Cardiac Rhythm Management by Applying Optogenetic Multi-Site Photostimulation in Murine Hearts
Published on: August 26, 2021
Meredith Borak1, Mary Ann Francisco, Mary Ann Stokas
1Rescue Care and Resiliency (Ms Borak), Center for Nursing Professional Practice and Research (Mss Francisco, Stokas, Maroney, and Bednar and Dr Pakieser-Reed), and Department of General Surgery (Dr Miller), The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract:
Early defibrillation is an essential step in the "chain of survival" for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. To increase the rate of early defibrillation by nurse first responders in noncritical care areas, our institution employed a quality resuscitation consultant, implemented nursing education programs, and standardized equipment and practices. Automated external defibrillator application by nurse first responders prior to advanced cardiac life support team arrival has improved from 15% in 2011 to 76% in 2013 (P < .001).
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