- Preparing the patient (sedation)

Synchronised cardioversion should not be undertaken if the patient is conscious. If the patient is conscious then conscious sedation or general anaesthesia is required.

When cardioversion is carried out the patient should be under conscious sedation or general anaesthesia. This should only be administered by a healthcare professional with the appropriate training and experience.

If electrical cardioversion is used to convert atrial or ventricular tachyarrhythmias, the shock must be synchronised to coincide with the R wave.

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