Unlike what is often shown on television, the victim's response is typically barely visible. There is sometimes some mild contraction of the pectoral (chest) muscles that may make the victim's shoulders move forward a little bit. That muscle contraction lasts less than a second.??It is important to realize that the visibility of the response does not predict whether or not the shock will be effective in resetting the heart and allowing a healthy heart rhythm to resume.
Unlike what is often shown on television, the victim's response is typically barely visible. There is sometimes some mild contraction of the pectoral (chest) muscles that may make the victim's shoulders move forward a little bit. That muscle contraction lasts less than a second.??It is important to realize that the visibility of the response does not predict whether or not the shock will be effective in resetting the heart and allowing a healthy heart rhythm to resume.
Michael Sayre, MD
SCA Foundation