What is the output voltage of a defibrillator?

Answer 1

It depends! The older Monophasic (one shock per shock -one way) machines can use as much as 5000V. The newer Biphasic (two shocks per shock -back and forth) machines use around 2200V. Less energy= less heart damage risk.

Now to some details: The energy output of these machines is termed in Joules. Usually something like 150J for a Biphasic or 200J in a Mono as a first shock.

The critical part is that Joules are a product of the Voltage * Amperage * time (1 sec).

Therefore in the above examples :

1500V * 0.1A * 1sec = 150J

2000V * 0.1A * 1 sec= 200J

The high voltage is generated by converting either the mains power or the internal battery power to the required voltage via an inverter and then stored in a capacitor for rapid release when needed.

As an example, cars usually run on a 12V system, BUT the energy sent to the spark plug from the ignition coil is massive and dangerous for a very short time, as is the energy during defibrillation. So, don't think your gloves will save you. Don't touch the patient when shocking them -as in don't continue compressions when shocking them. There is no such thing as an energy rated safe disposable medical glove.

Hope this helps.