The use of a defibrillator can greatly aid a person’s chance of survival in the event that they require resuscitation.
Defibrillators are portable devices able to recognise shockable rhythms in a victim in cardiac arrest and to deliver an electric shock to return the heart to its normal rhythm. Early access to defibrillation, when combined with starting effective CPR as early as possible, provides the best chance of survival for a victim suffering cardiac arrest.
In the case of victims who have been submerged in water, a defibrillator is unlikely to advise that a shock is required. This is because most drowning victims are unconscious due to respiratory failure that progresses to a non-shockable cardiac arrest rhythm. A defibrillator will recommend a shock in only a small percentage of drowning victims. It is therefore important that all lifesavers maintain their training to perform effective CPR.