Daniel M Sado

TL;DR: The longitudinal orientation of a rectangular defibrillator paddle provides a lower Transthoracic impedance than orientation horizontally, which is a factor determining the magnitude of the transmyocardial current during external defibrillation.

TL;DR: 8-kg paddle force achieves 95% of the overall attainable decrease in TTI when using adult defibrillation paddles placed in an anterior-apical position, with a maximum force of 12 kg if physically possible.

TL;DR: Elective DC cardioversion causes burns as measured by skin temperature, erythema index and sensory threshold to sharp touch, and pain experienced is related to the total energy and number of shocks delivered.

TL;DR: The decrease in TTI seen with increasing external paddle force is due primarily to improved electrical contact at the paddle-skin interface, with a decrease in thoracic volume accounting for no more than 16% of the overall decrease at forces used clinically.

TL;DR: The ERC recommendation of 12 kg paddle force is not achievable by the majority of defibrillator operators, and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation 2000 guidelines recommend that 'firm force' should be applied to both paddles.