User Manual

Therapy

4-4 LIFEPAK 20e Defibrillator/Monitor Operating Instructions

Figure 4-2 Anterior-posterior Placement for Noninvasive Pacing or Defibrillation

Special Placement Situations

When placing therapy electrodes or standard paddles, be aware of the special requirements in

the following possible situations.

Synchronized Cardioversion

Alternative anterior-posterior placements for cardioversion of supraventricular arrhythmias

include:

• Place the

♥ or + therapy electrode over the left precordium and the other electrode on the

patient’s right posterior infrascapular area

– or –

•Place the

♥ or + therapy electrode to the right of the sternum and the other electrode on the

patient’s posterior left infrascapular area.

Obese Patients or Patients with Large Breasts

Apply therapy electrodes or standard paddles to a flat area on the chest, if possible. If skin folds

or breast tissue prevent good adhesion, it may be necessary to spread skin folds apart to create

a flat surface.

Thin Patients

Follow the contour of the ribs and spaces when pressing the therapy electrodes onto the torso.

This limits air spaces or gaps under the electrodes and promotes good skin contact.

Patients with Implanted Pacemakers

If possible, place therapy electrodes or standard paddles away from the internal pacemaker

generator to help prevent damage to the pacemaker. Treat the patient like any other patient

requiring care. When operating the defibrillator in AED mode, pacemaker pulses may prevent

advisement of an appropriate shock, regardless of the patient’s underlying rhythm.

Patients with Implanted Defibrillators

Apply therapy electrodes or standard paddles in the anterior-lateral position and treat this patient

as any other patient requiring emergency care. If defibrillation is unsuccessful, it may be

necessary to try alternate electrode placement (anterior-posterior) due to the insulative

properties of implanted defibrillator electrodes.

QUIK-COMBO Electrodes

FAST-PATCH Electrodes

POSTERIOR