ICD info please

[jacjon]

I am a nurse in a rural elementary school approx 7 miles from the closest EMS. We do not have an AED at out facility (in the works though). I do have a teacher who has an implanted defibrillator. Does anything change if this person arrests? I would think I start CPR as I would anybody else until additional help arrives. What other information would they need? She does have information about the ICD for me. I worked 2 years in a medsurg unit and my experience with cardiac is limited. thank you for your time!!

[jmgrn65, RN]

yes you would still start Cpr but you would have to be careful if it goes off while you performing cpr you might get a little jolt yourself. However if is working properly you should not have to do anything.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Those IcD do their job.

[deeDawntee, RN]

Yes, I agree with the above poster. Has this teacher ever had the ICD fire? What were the circumstances under which this was placed? Is it also a pacemaker? I guess what I would want to know and pass on to EMS would be her/his history so they could let the Docs know at the receiving facility.

If this ICD is functioning properly (and they are very dependable) it is very doubtful you will ever need to defib this person. If they have an extensive heart history, chest pain and ACS may be more likely, but that is where knowing their history would be helpful. BTW, people with ICD's can be driving and feel it fire, and are safe driving with them. ICD's are remarkable little devices, so I would breath easy, this teacher's heart is well-supported having one.

[velardern]

we teach all of our ppm/icd implant patients to always carry their device info card in their wallet. be sure to ask them if they have that. it gives you info as to maker of device, why type of device, and which dr. implanted it. youre right though, worst case, no breathing, no pulse, start cpr. these patients are usually pretty good about getting their devices checked on a regular basis, but there are those devices that misfire or end up with fractured leads...can lead to problems. i would be just be sure to get a thorough hx on them.