Sydäniskuri

Sydäniskuri is a Finnish term that translates to "heart defibrillator" in English. It refers to a medical device used to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which are common causes of sudden cardiac arrest. A sydäniskuri works by delivering a controlled electrical shock to the heart, which aims to reset its rhythm and restore a normal heartbeat.

These devices are vital in emergency medical care and are found in hospitals, ambulances, and increasingly in public places through automated external defibrillators (AEDs). AEDs are designed for use by laypeople with minimal training, featuring voice prompts and clear visual instructions to guide the user through the process of analyzing the heart rhythm and delivering a shock if necessary. The early use of a sydäniskuri significantly increases the chances of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Prompt recognition of symptoms, calling for emergency services, and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) alongside the use of a sydäniskuri are all crucial components of the chain of survival.