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Background. More than 350,000 adult Americans die each year of sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA. The event is unpredictable and can occur in patients with no history of cardiac disease or cardiac symptoms. Drugs and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, save only a small percentage of victims. The necessary response is rapid application of electrical shock, and the chances of success are reduced 10 percent for every minute of delay.

Types of Studies Reviewed. The author reviewed the literature on resuscitation of people who have undergone SCA, and examined the emerging technology of automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, for correcting cardiac ventricular fibrillation. Included is a review of the controversies surrounding AED waveforms and energy levels.

Results. Automated cardiac defibrillators are becoming readily available because of improved technology and decreasing prices. AEDs are now commonly found in commercial aircraft, gambling casinos, sports arenas and public buildings, and will soon become as readily available as fire extinguishers. The use of AEDs is being taught in standard CPR courses.

Clinical Implications. AEDs are being installed in more public locations, including some dental offices. As costs decrease and availability increases, there is significant potential use for AEDs in managing SCAs in dental offices.

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