A new way to use a defibrillator might double someone's chance of survival

A new way to use a defibrillator might double someone's chance of survival

A recent study suggests a new way to use a defibrillator that might double someone's chance of survival

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Dr Nish Manek

Traditionally, one pad is placed on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left (known as anterior-lateral placement), but recent evidence suggests that an anterior-posterior (front-back) placement might improve survival rates.

Scientists from Oregon Health & Science University have published a new observational study in JAMA Network Open, which found that patients with AP pad placement had a 2.64-fold greater odds of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) compared to those with anterior-lateral (AL) placement.

Further research is needed on this new placement, though. Currently, the guidance is to stick to the anterior-lateral placement.

This article is an answer to the question (asked by Angus Wright, via email) 'What's the most effective way to use a defibrillator?'

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Dr Nish Manek

Dr Nish Manek is a GP in London. She completed her medical degree at Imperial College and was runner-up in the University of London Gold Medal. Manek has also developed teaching courses for Oxford Medical School, and has penned articles for The Guardian and Pulse magazine.
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