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AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a device that can help you save the life of someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are sophisticated yet easy to use – the devices can analyze heart rhythms to determine if an electric shock is needed to restore the patient’s heart to a normal rhythm, deliver the electric shock, and provide audible instructions.
AEDs for sudden cardiac arrest are important because they can save thousands of lives each year. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a serious condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly. Without immediate action from bystanders, the heart cannot restart itself and the patient dies.
Sudden cardiac arrest statistics are sobering. For example, according to the American Heart Association, SCA claimed the lives of 366,807 Americans in 2015. Globally, SCAs claim more lives than breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, pneumonia, influenza, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined.
Immediate CPR and the quick use of an AED can significantly improve the chances of survival, but the AED must be used correctly.
AED machines have audible instructions that begin talking you through the process as soon as you power on the unit. The AED will instruct you to call for help; if you have not yet called 9-1-1, now is the time to do so.
Some AEDs, such as those offered by Defibtech, contain the pads in the back of the unit.
AED pad placement is important to an optimal outcome, as the AED transmits an electric shock that needs to travel through the heart muscle. Place the pads on the front of the chest: put one pad above the right nipple and the other just below the chest area on the left side.
Do not touch the patient while the AED analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm. If others are nearby, tell them in a loud, clear voice to stand clear during the analysis.
If the machine determines that the patient needs a shock, it will say, “Shock Advised. Charging. Stand Clear.” Stand back and tell others to do the same.
Once the unit has charged, it will advise you to press the flashing “Shock” button. Press the button and stand clear – make sure bystanders are not touching the patient.
After the AED has delivered the first shock, it will advise you to begin CPR. Leave the AED pads on the patient’s body as you perform CPR. The AED will allow you to perform CPR for two minutes before analyzing whether the patient needs a second shock.
Continue following the instructions provided by the AED and performing CPR until EMS arrives.
Anyone can use an AED to save someone’s life – simply follow the instructions. While AED training is not necessary to save a life, reviewing how to use an AED before you need one may be helpful.
AEDs are so easy to use that even people with no medical training can use them to effectively save lives. Straightforward design coupled with clear instructions makes AEDs simple and intuitive. The best AEDs have helpful features, such as the ability to upgrade protocols easily and record/retrieve data from the unit.
While AEDs are safe to use in most circumstances, keeping AED safety in mind is always important. If a patient is 8 years old and younger, or less than 55 pounds, use pediatric pads if available. If pediatric pads are not available, use the adult pads. Place one on the center of the chest and one on the back between the shoulder blades. If a person is submerged in water they must be removed from the water. If their body is wet, they are lying in a small puddle, or a pile of snow, you can still use the AED. Take the time to dry off the skin where the pads will be placed so they adhere as well as possible.
AEDs can help save lives. If you are in the presence of someone who has experienced a sudden cardiac arrest, find out immediately if there is an AED in the immediate area and start using it immediately.
Why are AEDs important?
AEDs for sudden cardiac arrest are important because they can save thousands of lives each year. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a serious condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly. Without immediate action from bystanders, the heart cannot restart itself and the patient dies.
Sudden cardiac arrest statistics are sobering. For example, according to the American Heart Association, SCA claimed the lives of 366,807 Americans in 2015. Globally, SCAs claim more lives than breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, pneumonia, influenza, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined.
How to use an AED?
Immediate CPR and the quick use of an AED can significantly improve the chances of survival, but the AED must be used correctly.
1. Power on the AED
AED machines have audible instructions that begin talking you through the process as soon as you power on the unit. The AED will instruct you to call for help; if you have not yet called 9-1-1, now is the time to do so.
2. Remove the pads
Some AEDs, such as those offered by Defibtech, contain the pads in the back of the unit.
3. Place the pads in the correct location
AED pad placement is important to an optimal outcome, as the AED transmits an electric shock that needs to travel through the heart muscle. Place the pads on the front of the chest: put one pad above the right nipple and the other just below the chest area on the left side.
4. Wait for the AED to analyze the patient’s heart rhythm
Do not touch the patient while the AED analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm. If others are nearby, tell them in a loud, clear voice to stand clear during the analysis.
5. Stand clear while the unit charges
If the machine determines that the patient needs a shock, it will say, “Shock Advised. Charging. Stand Clear.” Stand back and tell others to do the same.
6. Press the shock button as needed
Once the unit has charged, it will advise you to press the flashing “Shock” button. Press the button and stand clear – make sure bystanders are not touching the patient.
7. Deliver CPR
After the AED has delivered the first shock, it will advise you to begin CPR. Leave the AED pads on the patient’s body as you perform CPR. The AED will allow you to perform CPR for two minutes before analyzing whether the patient needs a second shock.
8. Repeat
Continue following the instructions provided by the AED and performing CPR until EMS arrives.
Which comes first – AED or CPR?
Whether to use AED or provide CPR first depends mainly on the circumstance. If you witness a sudden cardiac arrest while among a large group of people, one person should call 9-1-1 and look for an AED while you begin CPR – do not wait for them to come back with AED before starting lifesaving measures. If you are alone with the person who has a sudden cardiac arrest and you know you can get to the AED and bring it back within three minutes, retrieve and use the AED before attempting CPR; be sure to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible – ideally before administering a shock or starting CPR. In the worst-case scenario where you are alone with someone who has had a sudden cardiac arrest and do not have access to an AED, call 9-1-1, then begin performing CPR.
Who can use AEDs?
Anyone can use an AED to save someone’s life – simply follow the instructions. While AED training is not necessary to save a life, reviewing how to use an AED before you need one may be helpful.
AED: Who can use them?
AEDs are so easy to use that even people with no medical training can use them to effectively save lives. Straightforward design coupled with clear instructions makes AEDs simple and intuitive. The best AEDs have helpful features, such as the ability to upgrade protocols easily and record/retrieve data from the unit.
AED safety tips
While AEDs are safe to use in most circumstances, keeping AED safety in mind is always important. If a patient is 8 years old and younger, or less than 55 pounds, use pediatric pads if available. If pediatric pads are not available, use the adult pads. Place one on the center of the chest and one on the back between the shoulder blades. If a person is submerged in water they must be removed from the water. If their body is wet, they are lying in a small puddle, or a pile of snow, you can still use the AED. Take the time to dry off the skin where the pads will be placed so they adhere as well as possible.AEDs can help save lives. If you are in the presence of someone who has experienced a sudden cardiac arrest, find out immediately if there is an AED in the immediate area and start using it immediately.