US Medical Term · emergency
Defibrillation
Desfibrilación
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Defibrillation |
| Spanish (Español) | Desfibrilación |
| Chinese (中文) | 電擊除顫 |
| Korean (한국어) | 제세동 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Khử rung tim |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Defibrillation |
| Portuguese (Português) | Desfibrilação |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การช็อกหัวใจ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 除細動 |
What it means
Defibrillation is the delivery of a controlled electric shock to the heart to stop a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation (chaotic, ineffective heartbeat) or ventricular tachycardia and allow the heart to return to a normal rhythm. It is performed using a defibrillator—either an automated external defibrillator (AED) found in public places or a hospital-grade device used by medical staff. Defibrillation is a life-saving emergency procedure. In a Code Blue situation, staff may defibrillate multiple times. Bystanders can also use an AED before emergency services arrive, as early defibrillation greatly improves survival from sudden cardiac arrest.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
The doctors used a defibrillator to restart my husband's heart.
Los médicos usaron un desfibrilador para reiniciar el corazón de mi esposo.
Is there an AED on this floor in case of a cardiac emergency?
¿Hay un desfibrilador externo automático en este piso en caso de emergencia cardiaca?
Defibrillation is a shock given to the heart to correct a dangerous rhythm.
La desfibrilación es un choque que se da al corazón para corregir un ritmo peligroso.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026