What is delayed defibrillation?

Delayed defibrillation refers to a situation where there is a significant delay in administering defibrillation following a cardiac arrest event. Rapid and immediate defibrillation is crucial in improving the survival rates of patients experiencing cardiac arrest, especially if the arrest is due to ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The longer the delay, the lower the likelihood of a successful resuscitation.

In contrast, rapid response or immediate CPR focus on swift actions to restore circulation and oxygenation, and automatic defibrillator detection refers to devices that recognize the need for defibrillation without human intervention. However, the term "delayed defibrillation" specifically highlights the consequences of postponing the application of defibrillation, emphasizing the importance of prompt action in emergency scenarios.