In 1889 John Alexander MacWilliams was able to show by experiment that the application of a small electrical jolt to a small part of the heart caused ventricular contraction, and that by spacing these jolts he was able to maintain a heart rhythm of 60-70bmp. It was from this simple discovery that led John Hopps to develop the first external pacemaker. These devices were quite substantial in size and need to be wheeled around with the patient. Since the device was also plugged into the mains socket, they weren’t very practical.
Many survivors receive an ICD soon after the SCA and that in itself can cause a whole host of new feelings and emotions.
Become educated about your device, and make sure your family does too. You may not be prepared for the shock it may give, but that shock could save your life.
Medical Device Safety
Many devices originate from the USA and as such are covered by the US Food and Drink administration and amongst the many things they do is produce a list of any issues currently highlighted with implantable devices this includes any recalls. You can see and subscribe to the the list at the US FDA medical device safety webpage.
ICD
http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/cardiovascular/living-with-an-icd.pdf
S-ICD
http://www.s-icd.eu/
Pacemaker
Why some don’t have an ICD or Pacemaker
Holter monitor
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrTFjZYyfW8ZlOv5FBzT9rQ
BHF Implatation Gude
Boston Scientific
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcIIWRVR1EQ