Physio Control LIFEPAK 15, Operating Instructions Manual

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Overview of the Shock Advisory System
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LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Operating Instructions
present. If motion is detected, the ECG analysis is inhibited. The operator is advised by a
displayed message, a voice prompt, and an audible alert. After 10 seconds, if motion is still
present, the motion alert stops and the analysis always proceeds to completion. This limits the
delay in therapy in situations where it may not be possible to stop the motion. However, the
rescuer should remove the source of motion whenever possible to minimize the chance of
artifact in the ECG.
There are two reasons why ECG analysis is inhibited when the motion alert occurs, and why the
rescuer should remove the source of the motion whenever possible:
1. Such motion may cause artifact in the ECG signal. This artifact can cause a nonshockable
ECG rhythm to look like a shockable rhythm. For example, chest compressions during
asystole can look like shockable ventricular tachycardia. Artifact can also cause a shockable
ECG rhythm to look like a nonshockable rhythm. For example, chest compressions during
ventricular fibrillation can look like an organized, and therefore nonshockable, rhythm.
2. The motion may be caused by a rescuer’s interventions. To reduce the risk of inadvertently
shocking a rescuer, the motion alert prompts the rescuer to move away from the patient. This
will stop the motion and ECG analysis will proceed.