Energy levels required for internal & external defibrillation

1. External — Transthoracic defibrillation

a) Children (weighing 2.5 — 50 Kg )

i) 1-5J/Kg

b) Adults (body weight in adults does not seem to be a major factor determining energy requirements)

i) Initial setting 200 J followed rapidly by 300 J & 360 J if needed

ii) Animal studies suggest that these doses are also valid during hypothermia

2. Internal — direct open chest defibrillation

a) Adults

i) Initial setting 5 J with increments up to 20 J