Physio-Control LIFEPAK 15 - Manual (Page 265)

APPENDIX
C
©2007-2013 Physio-Control, Inc. LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Operating Instructions
C-1
Overview of the Shock Advisory System
The Shock Advisory System (SAS) is an ECG analysis system built into the biphasic LIFEPAK 15
monitor/defibrillator that advises the operator as to whether it detects a shockable or nonshockable
rhythm. This system makes it possible for individuals who are not trained to interpret ECG rhythms
to provide potentially lifesaving therapy to victims of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular
tachycardia.
The Shock Advisory System contains the following features:
• Electrode Contact Determination
• Automated Interpretation of the ECG
• Operator Control of Shock Therapy
• Continuous Patient Surveillance System (CPSS)
• Motion Detection
The Shock Advisory System is active when the LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator is used as an
automated external defibrillator (AED). CPSS may be activated during monitoring.
Upon the user pressing the (shock) button , the LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator delivers the
shock therapy to the patient.
Electrode Contact Determination
The Shock Advisory System measures the patient's transthoracic impedance through the therapy
electrodes. If the baseline impedance is higher than a maximum limit, it determines that the
electrodes do not have sufficient contact with the patient or are not properly connected to the AED.
When this occurs, ECG analysis and shock delivery are inhibited. The AED advises the operator to
connect electrodes when there is insufficient electrode contact.
Automated Interpretation of the ECG
The Shock Advisory System recommends a shock if it detects the following:
• Ventricular fibrillation—with a peak-to-peak amplitude of at least 0.08 mV.
• Ventricular tachycardia—defined as having a heart rate of at least 120 beats per minute, QRS
width of at least 0.16 seconds, and no apparent P waves.
Pacemaker pulses may prevent advisement of an appropriate shock, regardless of the patient’s
underlying rhythm. The Shock Advisory System recommends no shock for all other ECG rhythms
including asystole, pulseless electrical activity, idioventricular rhythms, bradycardia,
supraventricular tachycardias, atrial fibrillation and flutter, heart block, premature ventricular