J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2010 Feb;21(1):125-130.

Paddle-skin Coupling Material Usage in Emergency Institutes in South Korea

• Lee MH
• Kim AJ
• Park JS
• Roh JY
• Kim KH
• Shin DW
• Lee KM
• Park SU
• Kim YK

Abstract

PURPOSE
While the use of coupling material (CM) during defibrillation is known to decrease transthoracic impedance more so than other materials elsewhere, the situation in Korea is unclear. The study assessed the use of paddleskin CM during defibrillation in South Korean emergency institutes (EIs) and measured the impedances.
METHODS
From October 15 to October 19, 2009, 112 EIs (all of regional emergency medical centers (EMCs), specialized care centers, and local EMCs) were surveyed. Institute members were queried about their current use of paddleskin CMs during defibrillation. Indications for use were studied by means of a World Wide Web search, descriptions on the CM packaging, and telephone conversations with CM manufacturers and related people. Impedance measurements were recorded from April 13 to August 3, 2009.
RESULTS
During defibrillation, 27 different CMs were used in the 108 EIs. Only nine institutes used CMs directly for defibrillation. Impedence of nine CMs could not be measured. The impedance values were 1.69, 1.71, 2.00, and 6.12 ohm for four CMs used for defibrillation; 6.66 and 11.94 ohm for two CMs used for electrodes; 9.71, 9.82, 11.57, 13.68, 13.89, 14.36, 18.31, and 19.66 ohm for eight CMs used for ultrasonography; and 14.05, 17.71, 35.44, and 41.15 ohm for four other CMs.
CONCLUSION
More education and public information about the use of CMs for defibrillation are needed.

Keyword

Electric countershock; Electric impedance; Hospital emergency service

MeSH Terms

Academies and Institutes
Cardiography, Impedance
Electric Countershock
Electric Impedance
Emergencies
Emergency Service, Hospital
Internet
Korea
Product Packaging
Republic of Korea
Telephone