Skip to content

Defibrillator Death -

: Some deaths have occurred because a device was accidentally turned off, such as during a surgical procedure, and not reactivated.

: Some argue that defibrillators can take away the possibility of a "quick and painless" sudden death, instead prolonging a difficult dying process from other non-cardiac causes. Effectiveness of Emergency Defibrillation (AEDs) defibrillator death

When a person suffers a cardiac arrest in public, the use of an is critical to survival. : Some deaths have occurred because a device

: Deactivating an ICD allows for a natural and peaceful death. If left on, the device may continue to deliver painful shocks as the heart naturally fails, which can be distressing for both the patient and their family. : Deactivating an ICD allows for a natural

Sudden death in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients

Defibrillators (both external AEDs and internal ICDs) are life-saving tools designed to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) by restoring a normal heart rhythm through an electric shock. While they do not directly cause death, "defibrillator death" usually refers to situations where the device is deactivated during end-of-life care, fails due to technical issues, or is unable to stop a terminal cardiac event. End-of-Life & Deactivation

: Historically, some deaths have been linked to lead failure (broken wires) or pulse generator malfunctions.