As I have often harped on the importance of adequate electrolytes for the health being of the general populace, I often wondered if those running a marathon and being a victim of brain edema through excessive water intake without adequate electrolytes, then using a defibrillator may actually be of no use since that poor guy would already have no ions to jump-start his heart. Perhaps, just perhaps, maybe the medical personnel on standby could be equip with electrolyte jabs (probably a mixture of potassium, sodium, magnesium and maybe calcium) to jump-start that stalled motor (I mean the HEART).
However, pounding your fist endlessly on that poor guy may help, perhaps, just perhaps, if your sweating and tears have enough salt falling through his nostrils may revive him… . aaargh!!… this is so wayang (movie-like I mean). Likewise, I think electrolyte infusion may be too slow in this instance. So give that bugger a electrolyte jab. By the way, I also understand the magnesium could also help to reduce or prevent brain edema, so all the more better if there is a hydration pack to include magnesium for arduous activities.
Anyway, a recent article from New York Times (2 Apr 2008) also found that “Study Finds Home Defibrillator Is No Help“. Maybe should have this on standby at home too. At least to jump start the heart given whatever the medical condition is. Anyway that is what the defibrillator is for in the first place… to jump start the heart. Or maybe if I am the doctor, I would plug an arterial input to neck region to pump “oxygen” to the brain first. The heart can slightly revive later. Not wise in reviving a someone in a vegetative state. You know?
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Mikey
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