Spark-Generating Properties of Electrode Gels Used During Defibrillation
A Potential Fire Hazard
- Russell S. Hummel III, BSEE;
- Joseph P. Ornato, MD;
- Stuart M. Weinberg, MD;
- Alex M. Clarke, PhD
Abstract
After a defibrillation attempt started a fire in an oxygen-enriched intensive care unit environment, seven popular electrode gels were tested for spark-generating properties by repeated 360-J electrical discharges into a 50-Ω test load. Gels with low initial impedance (7±1 Ω) allowed a high current flow (51 ±1 A), maintained a cool temperature (27°C to 33°C), and did not spark. Gels with high initial impedance (125 ±14 Ω) allowed less current (26 ±2 A), heated to 52°C±2°C, liquified, and generated an electrical spark after the fourth or fifth discharge. Federal standards should be developed to identify and label electrode gels that can be used safely for high-current applications such as defibrillation.
(JAMA 1988;260:3021-3024)
Footnotes
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Reprint requests to Medical College of Virginia, Box 525, Richmond, VA 23298 (Dr Ornato).
