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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does A Person Who Is Flatline Get A Shock?

My mom died in the hospital three weeks ago.Doing CPR the staff only used electric shock on her once.?
On TV I see them try 3 or 4 times before giving up.How many times does most hospitals try.She was not dieing of cancer but had a weak heart. Does a person who is flatline get a shock?
Sat, 19 Dec 2009
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I am sorry for your loss. 1. Don't learn CPR or emergency care from TV- they are more interested in drama than accuracy. People who know the stuff often cringe at most medical shows inaccuracies. (Yes, even House!) 2. Flat-lined hearts (asystole) cannot be shocked back to a rhythm. The thing about the shocks (defibrillation) is that it stops a bad rhythm and allows the heart to restart a good one. It does not actually restart the heart. 3. A 'bad heart' is hard to restart and get going on its own. Sadly, CPR and other heroic measures are not often successful in the real world.
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Does A Person Who Is Flatline Get A Shock?

I am sorry for your loss. 1. Don t learn CPR or emergency care from TV- they are more interested in drama than accuracy. People who know the stuff often cringe at most medical shows inaccuracies. (Yes, even House!) 2. Flat-lined hearts (asystole) cannot be shocked back to a rhythm. The thing about the shocks (defibrillation) is that it stops a bad rhythm and allows the heart to restart a good one. It does not actually restart the heart. 3. A bad heart is hard to restart and get going on its own. Sadly, CPR and other heroic measures are not often successful in the real world.