Persons with a serious heart condition like arrhythmias rely on a pacemaker defibrillator which is implanted into the chest. In the event that the heart rhythm becomes erratic, the pacemaker defibrillator goes into action by delivering a small electrical shock in order to correct the abnormal rhythm. To avoid a potentially fatal situation, persons with pacemakers and those that are scheduled to have one installed need to know the steps in the event that their pacemaker defibrillator goes off.

Safety is a Priority

Before doing anything else, make sure that you are in a safe environment. For example, if your job requires you to operate heavy machinery, turn it off so that you will not get hurt if the heart condition that caused the pacemaker defibrillator kicks into action making you lose control of the machinery. If you are simply standing when an event occurs, first step is to sit down immediately so that you avoid a nasty fall if you faint. Use relaxation methods like controlled breathing in order to help your heartbeat to go back to its normal rhythm.

Check the immediate environment

If you feel ok and still the defibrillator went off, check the immediate environment to ascertain whether external factors like radios, cellular phones and other devices that can generate magnetic fields are nearby. All of these can set it off even when there is really nothing wrong with you at the moment.

Get Help

Do not be afraid to ask for help as your life may be in peril. Call an ambulance or have someone call 911 for you. Emergency responders have the necessary equipment like an automatic external defibrillator that they can use in the event that the situation warrants it. If it is possible, contact the hospital to which the first responder will transport you or that implanted the defibrillator. This is important in order for the cardiologist to determine what caused the issue in the first place.

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