The Effects of Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) on Cardiac Pacemakers

This is kind of a strange bit of information I ran across while doing research on EMP.  I decided to post it in case it is useful to anyone who reads this site.Title : The Effects of Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) on Cardiac Pacemakers

Report Date : NOV 1991

Abstract : The U.S. Army Harry Diamond Laboratories’ (HDL’s) Woodbridge Research Facility (WRF) has conducted an investigation into the effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) on medical electronics. This report specifically documents the findings on the effects of WRF’s Army EMP Simulator Operations (AESOP) on cardiac pacemakers (CPMs). Empirical data are furnished and compared to the results of two independent analytical studies. The studies support the conclusion that damage to CPMs that might be located near the WRF boundaries is not likely. Furthermore, any upset in a CPM’s operation is considered unlikely and inconsequential to the health of the CPM wearer. Cardiac pacemakers (CPMs) have experienced significant technological advancements over the last decade, evolving from simple and bulky pulse generators to the small and sophisticated computerized units implanted today. With the implementation of sensitive digital electronics in modern pacemaker designs, concerns have been expressed for the possibility of an increased sensitivity of CPMs to electromagnetic interference (EMI). To some extent these concerns have abated to the increased awareness of the EMI problem by the manufacturers, as evident in better peacemaker designs and the decline in reported malfunctions due to EMI.

Descriptors : *DIGITAL SYSTEMS, ARMY RESEARCH, MANUFACTURING, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, RESEARCH FACILITIES, PULSE GENERATORS, SENSITIVITY, ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE, COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, ARMY OPERATIONS, MALFUNCTIONS, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, HEART, AWARENESS, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE SIMULATORS, PACEMAKERS, ELECTRONICS

Subject Categories : MEDICINE AND MEDICAL RESEARCH

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

The post The Effects of Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) on Cardiac Pacemakers appeared first on PREPAREDNESS ADVICE.