Dr. Joshua Lupton survived a cardiac arrest in 2016, attributing his recovery to rapid defibrillation from first responders. In a new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, he and co-authors from Oregon Health & Science University found that the position in which defibrillator pads are initially placed on the body may significantly impact the return of spontaneous blood circulation after a shock. Using data from the Portland Cardiac Arrest Epidemiologic Registry, researchers reviewed 255 cases treated by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and found that placing pads in front and back resulted in a 2.64-fold greater odds of returning blood circulation compared to placing pads on the front and side.
The common understanding among health care professionals was that pad placement did not have a significant impact on outcomes for cardiac arrest. However, the new study suggests that placing pads in front and back may help deliver electrical current more comprehensively to the heart, increasing the chances of successful resuscitation. Senior author Dr. Mohamud Daya, professor of emergency medicine at OHSU, explained that effectively “sandwiching” the heart with the pads could lead to more efficient delivery of energy to the organ. While this approach may not always be possible due to patient factors such as weight or positioning, it could offer a potential benefit in cases where it can be implemented.
Dr. Lupton’s personal experience surviving cardiac arrest led him to focus his research on optimizing early care for patients in similar situations. The results of the study, which demonstrated a significant difference in outcomes based on pad placement, were unexpected but may lead to further research in the medical community. Dr. Lupton expressed hope that additional studies could provide more insights into the best practices for treating cardiac arrest patients and improve outcomes for those affected. The study was supported by various grants, including from the Zoll Foundation, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.
The study findings highlight the importance of prompt and effective treatment for cardiac arrest, with the placement of defibrillator pads playing a potentially crucial role in reviving the heartbeat. While the observational study does not provide conclusive evidence, the significant difference observed in outcomes based on pad placement suggests that further investigation is warranted. Dr. Lupton’s personal experience surviving cardiac arrest underscores the importance of early intervention and optimal care for patients in similar situations, driving his research focus on improving outcomes for individuals in cardiac arrest. The support from various grants underscores the significance of the research and the potential impact on future treatment strategies for cardiac arrest patients.