# Electroshock paddles on someone’s head-likely result? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [June 18, 2024, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009 "2024-06-18T10:24:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/1 "2024-06-18T10:24:52Z")
You know, you see them on TV and movies, the doc rubs them together and shouts “Clear!” Sorry, I just watched a mediocre horror movie where someone had them pressed against his temples and turned on. What would happen IRL? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/2 "2024-06-18T13:46:20Z")
Nitpick but those aren’t electroshock paddles but instead are part of a [defibrillator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defibrillation). Reading further, [electroshock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroconvulsive_therapy) is normally applied directly to the head. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/3 "2024-06-18T13:51:23Z")
Here’s a PubMed article about a case of accidental cranial defibrillation > **[Accidental "cranial" defibrillation - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/533963/)** > > A case of accidental shock to the head, caused by a cardiac defibrillator, is presented. The shock resulted in minor burns and symptoms similar to those of postelectro-convulsive shock therapy (ECT). A physician participating in an advanced life... ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/4 "2024-06-18T14:00:49Z")
Yes, sorry. I couldn’t think of the right term and lazily grabbed the first similar one that floated past. Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/5 "2024-06-18T14:27:07Z")
I just call it a ‘Clear Thing’. Because they shout ‘Clear’ before turning it on. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/6 "2024-06-18T17:29:15Z")
And before we get any ideas for experimenting, the devices available to the public or other low-trained users are AutomaticEDs. Part of that automation assesses the patient for fibrillation and only proceeds after some very specific checks. No fib, no defib. The villain would have to use a hospital grade one or maybe hack an AED. They turn up used a lot since keeping the batteries maintained is kind of a headache. For movie magic, I’d hook it up to a greasy old car battery with some exposed terminals for menacing sparks. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/7 "2024-06-18T17:48:06Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > For movie magic, I’d hook it up to a greasy old car battery with some exposed terminals for menacing sparks. And jumper cables have clips you can clamp onto the victim instead of holding the paddles down while their wiggling and jerking around. You can make sparks with just the cables and battery but if you want them to blab you better connect to the ignition coil. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/8 "2024-06-18T18:36:16Z")
A question related to the use of defibrillators; is the patient visibly seizing or convulsing when in a state that using the defibrillator is appropriate? Because on the medical dramas I’ve watched, the patient just appears to be unconscious, which prompts the heroic doctor to apply the defibrillator. I suppose it’s a way to add drama and action to the scene. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/9 "2024-06-18T20:57:27Z")
IANAD, but the way I understand it, a patient in v-fib is unconscious. Using a defibrillator to the heart (let alone the head!) of a person not in v-fib is, as the doctors say, contraindicated. In Emergency!, generally a show that has the correct usage of the equipment, has even made the mistake of shocking a person in flatline. A defib does nothing there. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/10 "2024-06-18T22:10:46Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > Using a defibrillator to the heart (let alone the head!) of a person not in v-fib is, as the doctors say, contraindicated. Not always. Vtach (ventricular tachycardia) may leave the patient with a pulse and consciousness but tends to quickly degenerate into a pulseless rhythm with loss of consciousness, and then into Vfib. It’s nice to sedate a Vtach patient first before doing a synchronized shock to try to restore a stable rhythm but it’s not always possible. Some folks recommend waiting for them to decompensate and lose consciousness before shocking them. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/11 "2024-06-27T00:14:28Z")
I was able to download the text of this…unusual case report. > [@](#): > > The (physician) assuming the defibrillator was a demonstration model and not > charged, in any case, jokingly placed the paddles against each temple while asking whether “they would work for electro-convulsive shock therapy (ECT).” > > He then discharged the unit, which was charged to 400 watt seconds, and siumped to the floor. He did not have the paddles in actual contact with his head, Plus, his metal frame glasses, according to an observer, conducted some of the charge in an arc around his head. Upon discharge of the defibrillator, he had immediate disorientation and memory loss. Aside from the mild burns and temporary loss of consciousness, Dr. Wile E. Coyote Super-Genius reported feeling listless with flat affect for some hours after the experience, and difficulty balancing his checkbook (I am not making this up). He regained memory up until the “shock”, but couldn’t remember anything for a short time afterward. Kiddies, always assume the gun is loaded and that the paddles are charged. \*that must’ve been an all-time memorable ACLS course. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/12 "2024-06-27T00:21:36Z")
That one also belongs in the Stupid MFers thread methinks. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/13 "2024-06-27T14:26:01Z")
And always remember, using a defibrillator on someone as a prank can lead to a [manslaughter conviction.](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-emt-gets-prison-for-fatal-prank/) ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/14 "2024-06-27T14:32:42Z")
I remembered that case and looked it up again earlier this morning. It’s a 2006 article and it mentions a then 25-year-old Joshua Phillip Martin. I’m guessing that’s **[this guy](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/177373779/joshua-phillip-martin)**, who died in 2017 at the age of 36. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009/15 "2024-06-27T14:34:52Z")
I’m not going to say I’m glad he’s dead, but I’ve got to wonder how many other people he would have “pranked” if he was still around. ETA: Here’s a [Pit thread about it.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moron-kills-woman-mother-thinks-sentence-too-harsh/341455)