WET & METAL SURFACES
TECHNICAL NOTE
The maximum peak voltage of 14 volts occurred at a distance of approximately six inches
from the simulated patient. Fourteen (14) volts are unlikely to cause any operator or
bystander sensation or risk in this environment.
The voltages quickly lowered as the distance from the patient increased. At a distance of
approximately 2 feet away from the patient, the maximum voltage was only 0.28 volts. At this
voltage, there is virtually no operator or bystander sensation or risk in this environment.
It should be noted that the voltage recorded on the Defibrillator Shock Button was 0.4 V or
less when placed 18 inches from the simulated patient, resulting in no sensation or risk to
the user when the button is pressed.
CONCLUSION
Our simulation of patient defibrillation in a pool water environment demonstrated that an
operator touching the defibrillator was at particularly low risk. Bystander risk in an actual
defibrillation event is likely to be considerably less than the simulated bystander risk,
because patient head and limbs will provide greater separation between the bystander and
the defibrillation pad area.
Operation of the defibrillator in a rainy environment should present no additional risks to the
operator or bystanders, since the conductivity of rainwater will be less than the pool water.
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