What energy level is typically used for defibrillation?

In the context of defibrillation, the selected energy level of 200 joules is recognized as the standard initial shock dosage for many automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and manual defibrillators when addressing certain types of life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

This energy level has been established based on clinical studies that demonstrate its effectiveness in restoring a normal rhythm in the heart while minimizing the risk of injuring the heart muscle or causing other complications associated with improper energy levels. Higher energy doses, such as 300 joules, may also be used in certain scenarios or protocols, but starting at 200 joules is the common practice for immediate intervention.

Lower energy levels, such as 50 or 100 joules, are generally insufficient to achieve successful defibrillation for most arrhythmias and do not adequately disrupt the chaotic electrical impulses occurring in these conditions. Therefore, the typical energy level of 200 joules ensures a balance between effectiveness and safety, leading to better outcomes in critical situations.