Defibrillator - Death

Defibrillators (both external AEDs and internal ICDs) are life-saving tools designed to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) by restoring a normal heart rhythm through an electric shock. While they do not directly cause death, "defibrillator death" usually refers to situations where the device is deactivated during end-of-life care, fails due to technical issues, or is unable to stop a terminal cardiac event. End-of-Life & Deactivation

: Healthcare providers can deactivate the shock function electronically or by placing a special clinical magnet over the device. Device Failure & Risks

For patients with an who are terminally ill or nearing natural death, the device can become a burden rather than a benefit.