Field Treatment of Electric Shock Cases-I

This paper deals with the effects of electric shocks on the circulation and respiration. It points out that electric shocks of the order of 0.1 ampere may interrupt the normal rhythm of the heart and throw it into a twitching state called ventricular fibrillation. A shock of several amperes will, on the other hand, simply contract the heart and hold it in that state until the circuit is opened. Currents of this magnitude will often temporarily paralyze the breathing, but the heart will usually resume beating when the circuit is broken. Artificial respiration, if promptly applied, will often give nature time to overcome the respiratory paralysis, but is of no assistance in stopping the fibrillation of the heart. Ventricular fibrillation can be terminated by sending sufficient current through the heart to arrest it completely. Then, when the circuit is opened, the heart will generally resume beating. This defibrillating current may be sent through the heart by electrodes on the skin of the chest. The results of 248 experiments with electrodes on the skin of the chest are presented. The importance of promptness in defibrillating the heart and in starting artificial respiration in electric shock cases is emphasized. A description of a simple apparatus for treating ventricular fibrillation is also given.