The Electrical Phase
The first phase of CPR is called the electrical phase and extends from the beginning of cardiac arrest to approximately 5 minutes following the arrest. Defibrillation is most effective during the electrical phase. If an AED is available when a cardiac arrest is witnessed, it is imperative that defibrillation pads are applied promptly and the device is allowed to analyze the victim. Approximately 70% of cardiac arrest occurs in the home. For this reason, it is recommended that one person in every household receives CPR/AED training, as this …