Cardiac Science SURVIVALINK AED Operation & Service Manual page 82

300282-002 Rev. E0
Rhythm Recognition Detection System
The Survivalink AED Rhythm Recognition Detection system analyzes
the patient's ECG and advises you when the Survivalink AED detects a
shockable or non-shockable rhythm.
This system makes it possible for a person, with no training in the
interpretation of ECG rhythms, to offer defibrillation therapy to victims
of ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, or pulseless
supraventricular tachycardia.
The Survivalink AED Rhythm Recognition Detection System contains:
• Electrode contact determination
• Automated interpretation of the ECG
• Operator control of defibrillation shock therapy
The transthoracic impedance of the patient is measured through the
defibrillation electrodes. When the baseline impedance is higher than a
maximum limit, the Survivalink AED determines that the electrodes are
not in sufficient contact with the patient or are not properly connected to
the Survivalink AED. ECG analysis and defibrillation-shock delivery are
therefore inhibited. The voice prompt will say, "Check Electrodes" when
electrode contact is inadequate.
Automated Interpretation of the ECG
The Survivalink AED Rhythm Recognition Detection System is designed
to recommend a defibrillation shock when placed on a patient who is
unconscious, not breathing and has no pulse, when it detects:
• Ventricular fibrillation - when peak to peak amplitude is greater than asystole
threshold (0.15 mV nominal) and cardiac rhythm rate of at least 180 bpm
• Ventricular tachycardia - cardiac rhythm rate is at least 180 bpm
• Supraventricular tachycardia
The Survivalink AED Recognition Detection System will not
recommend a defibrillation shock for all other ECG rhythms that do not
meet these criteria, including Asystole and normal sinus rhythms.
ECG analysis is performed on a 9 second sample of ECG.
Operator Control of Defibrillation Shock Delivery
The Survivalink AED Recognition Detection System causes the
Survivalink AED to automatically charge when the Survivalink AED
detects a shockable cardiac rhythm. Audio and visual prompts are used to
2. Defibrillation. In: Cummins R, ed. Advanced Cardiac Life Support: American Heart Association; 1997:4-9.
©2002 Cardiac Science, Inc.
Section 7: Technical Data
2 - cardiac rhythm rate is at least 180 bpm
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