Overview

Lisbon’s firefighters are reportedly using expired defibrillator electrodes,⁢ potentially compromising⁤ the ‍effectiveness of Automated External defibrillators (AEDs) during emergencies. The National Union of Professional firefighters (SNBP) raised the alarm, citing warnings issued as September regarding outdated equipment.⁣ The issue⁣ centers on the⁤ adhesive plates used with AEDs, crucial for delivering life-saving shocks.

The Problem: expired electrodes and Reduced Effectiveness

The core ‍issue lies with the conductive gel on the ⁢defibrillation⁢ electrodes. This gel, essential for‍ transmitting the electrical shock, ‍degrades over time, potentially drying ⁣out or losing its adhesive properties. According to Sérgio Carvalho, president of the SNBP, hundreds of electrodes were purchased in 2023 for use during World Youth Day in Lisbon and‍ have a typical lifespan of approximately two ⁤years. Many of ⁤these electrodes have now exceeded thier expiration date.

Despite the expiration, an ⁢internal note from‍ the Lisbon Firefighters Regiment (RSB) instructs ‍personnel to continue using the electrodes “until the situation is normalized.” This directive is based on information provided by the manufacturer in 2023, which suggested that electrodes could still be used if they ‍pass both an automatic⁢ equipment test and a visual⁤ inspection by the user. This guidance, however, does not eliminate the risk associated with degraded⁤ gel.

Internal Dialog and Manufacturer Guidance

An email sent on Wednesday to battalion and company commanders by João Carolino, the Commander’s technical assistant, details the RSB’s position. The email explicitly states that expired electrodes are permissible “as long as they pass the equipment test (automatic) and the‍ visual⁢ user test.” This reliance on testing is predicated on the manufacturer’s 2023 assessment during a previous delay in equipment replacement.

Sérgio Carvalho of the SNBP ‍expressed concern that relying ⁢solely on visual and automatic tests is insufficient. He ⁢argues that the degradation of the conductive gel may not always be detectable thru these⁤ methods, potentially leading ⁢to a false sense of security during a critical emergency.

Potential Risks and Implications

The use of expired defibrillator electrodes carries potential risks. Reduced conductivity due to gel degradation could result in⁣ a weaker⁣ electrical shock, decreasing the likelihood ⁤of prosperous defibrillation. Loss of adhesion could also prevent proper contact with the patient’s skin, further hindering the device’s ‍effectiveness. Defibrillation is a time-critical intervention, and any delay or ‍reduction in efficacy could have life-threatening consequences.

While the RSB is following manufacturer guidance, the SNBP argues that prioritizing patient safety requires immediate replacement of the ⁤expired electrodes. The union emphasizes the importance⁤ of having⁤ fully functional equipment available⁤ for all emergency situations.

Timeline of Events