This scoping review mapped device damage and malfunction associated with dual defibrillator use (two external defibrillators delivering shocks within ≤1 second of each other) in both elective and emergency defibrillation/cardioversion settings, searching published literature and regulatory adverse event databases without language or date restrictions.
29 records (2016–2026) were included: across 5 published sources, 8 lasting device damage events and 4 temporary malfunctions were identified; across 24 regulatory adverse event reports, 11 described device damage and 16 described malfunctions. Damage was often not recognized at the time of the event, surfacing only on post-use testing or routine self-checks.
- Evidence base is sparse and heterogeneous (2 RCTs, 1 case report, 1 survey, 1 retrospective study, plus regulatory reports), limiting generalizability. - Regulatory adverse event reports are subject to under-reporting and variable detail. - No standardized prospective reporting exists, so true incidence of device damage is unknown.
After any dual defibrillation or dual cardioversion, routine post-use device testing should be performed — damage may be invisible at the time of the event and only found later, putting future patients at risk. Clinicians and institutions should establish standardized reporting protocols wherever dual defibrillator use occurs.
Explore related topics
