Question 1

can an implanted internal defibrillator shock an unborn baby?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: The electrodes are placed so that the current runs from one to the other, shocking only the heart.  This is why a bystander who touches the patient during the discharge will not be shocked.  Although i don't know of any specific research on this, i can't see how the baby could be shocked.  The mother's body would "jolt" but that would be no different to the baby than any other sudden movement.

Question 2

do patients with cardiac defibrillators physically feel the shock? or is it just like normal heart electricity where you feel nothing at all?

Accepted Answer

ICD: When an ICD discharges the patient feels the jolt. It is not a sensation most of the patients enjoy other than knowing it likely saved their life.

Question 3

what amount shocks does it usually take for defibrillator to work?

Accepted Answer

240-300 J: 240 to 300 joules (depending on the machine) is usual.

Question 4

how do doctors know how much to charge and shock you with when using a defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

Several factors: Different rhythms tend to require different energies.  Otherwise, it depends on defibrillator pad location, patient body habitus/size, and type of cardiomyopathy

Question 5

can you get shocked by touching someone who has an implanted (internal) defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

No: It is unlikely that you would feel anything but if you did it would be only a very mild sensation.

Question 6

if someone is accidentally shocked by a defibrillator being used during a patient resuscitation, and lost her babyc could the defibrillator be the cause?

Accepted Answer

Question: this is not a simple question. A lot more information would be needed to evaluate the possibility/probability. There is a possibility but the probabilities would vary depending on the variable data

Question 7

i know someone that has a pacemaker / defibrillator, and i was wondering if they got shocked would it stop it from working? what will happen if they do get shocked?

Accepted Answer

The : The device will continue to work unless there have been so many shocks which may drain the battery. The battery level can be detected by a simple noninvasive test.

Question 8

my friend claimed that the paramedics abused him with the defibrillator after being conscious from the fist shock. will his heart be okay?

Accepted Answer

Defibrillation: Will the defibrillation cause long term damage to the heart? No.  The more pressing question is: Why did he require defibrillation in the first place?….the answer to that is the key to his long term health.  What kind of arrhythmia did he have and why?

Question 9

a 3 mos. pregnant health care worker is accidentally shocked by a defibrillator, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Nothing: There isn't a thing you can do.  In 99% of cases, there would be no harm. You can confirm this: just listen for the baby's heart beat.

Question 10

can a person with three bare metal heart stents be shocked by a defibrillator soon after stent placement. could holes in heart be caused by blowout?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: "holes" in the heart may be the consequence of heart attacks but not from defibrillator discharges. Also they  usually happen during/after the first heart attack.

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Doctor answers about:

Defibrillator shock

A member asked:

Can an implanted internal defibrillator shock an unborn baby?

A member asked:

Do patients with cardiac defibrillators physically feel the shock? or is it just like normal heart electricity where you feel nothing at all?

A member asked:

What amount shocks does it usually take for defibrillator to work?

A member asked:

How do doctors know how much to charge and shock you with when using a defibrillator?

A member asked:

Can you get shocked by touching someone who has an implanted (internal) defibrillator?

A member asked:

If someone is accidentally shocked by a defibrillator being used during a patient resuscitation, and lost her babyc could the defibrillator be the cause?

A member asked:

I know someone that has a pacemaker / defibrillator, and i was wondering if they got shocked would it stop it from working? what will happen if they do get shocked?

A member asked:

My friend claimed that the paramedics abused him with the defibrillator after being conscious from the fist shock. will his heart be okay?

A member asked:

A 3 mos. pregnant health care worker is accidentally shocked by a defibrillator, what to do?

A member asked:

Can a person with three bare metal heart stents be shocked by a defibrillator soon after stent placement. could holes in heart be caused by blowout?

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