The unit of energy used for defibrillationFor those in pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation or polymorphic VT; an asynchronous application of an electrical current to the heart to depolarize all cells not in absolute refractory period – effectively producing a short period of asystole, hopefully... and cardioversionMore accurately called synchronous cardioversion, an electrical current is applied to the heart when the ventricles are depolarizing (R wave as opposed to firing on the T wave which could produce lethal dysrhythmias – R-on-T phenomena) to produce a period...; technically a joule is equal to power (voltage X current) times duration in seconds.
1. Six Second ECG GuidebookA Practice Guide to Basic and 12 Lead ECG Interpretation, written by Tracy Barill, 2012 Introduction The ability to correctly interpret an electrocardiogram (ECG), be it a simple six second strip or a 12 lead ECG, is a vital skill... (2012), T Barill, p. 198