These AED steps should be used when caring for a non-breathing child aged 8 or older who weighs more than 55 pounds , or an adult. After checking the scene and ensuring that the person needs help, you should ask a bystander to call 911 for help, then: 1Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts.
When should an AED be used?
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest . It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
What is the purpose of using an AED on an unresponsive victim who is not breathing?
An AED gives directions through voice prompts and visual indicators. When the heart is not receiving enough oxygen or is injured, it can stop beating and become overwhelmed with chaotic electrical activity known as ventricular fibrillation (V-fib). The victim becomes unresponsive and is not breathing.
When using an AED defibrillator on an unconscious non breathing casualty?
If the victim is not breathing, check the airway is clear then begin CPR by giving 30 chest compressions at a depth of one third (1/3) of the chest thickness and then give 2 breaths.
Under what circumstances should you place an AED on a patient?
When is an AED needed? AEDs are used to revive someone from sudden cardiac arrest . This usually occurs when a disruption in the heart’s electrical activity causes a dangerously fast heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia) or a fast and irregular heartbeat (ventricular fibrillation).
Should I do CPR first or apply the AED?
Always call 911 first before administering CPR or using an AED. Timing of the use of an AED first depends on how accessible an AED is. If an AED is immediately accessible, get the AED and use it right away. However, in all likelihood, there will not be an AED close enough and CPR should be started first.
Can you use an AED without training?
Although formal training in the use of an AED is not required , AED and CPR certifications are recommended to help you increase your comfort and level of confidence. However, AEDs are intended for use by the general public — with or without specialized training.
What to do if someone has a pulse but is not breathing?
If the person is not breathing but has a pulse, give 1 rescue breath every 5 to 6 seconds or about 10 to 12 breaths per minute. If the person is not breathing and has no pulse and you are not trained in CPR, give hands-only chest compression CPR without rescue breaths.
What do you do if a person is unresponsive but breathing?
- Check their breathing by tilting their head back and looking and feeling for breaths. ...
- Move them onto their side and tilt their head back. ...
- Call 999 as soon as possible.
What is the first thing you should do if a person is unconscious and not breathing?
- Check for breathing, coughing, or movement.
- Make sure that the airway is clear.
- If there is no sign of breathing or circulation, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Continue CPR until either help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.
What are the 7 steps of using an AED?
- Check unresponsiveness.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number (if applicable) and retrieve the AED.
- Open the airway and check for breathing. ...
- Check for a pulse. ...
- Attach the AED electrode pads.
- Analyze the heart rhythm. ...
- Press the “shock” button, if advised.
What to do when AED says no shock advised?
Or, if no shock is advised, begin CPR . Perform 2 minutes (about 5 cycles) of CPR and continue to follow the AED’s prompts. If you notice obvious signs of life, discontinue CPR and monitor breathing for any changes in condition.
Can a defibrillator start a dead heart?
To put it simply, an AED will not restart a heart once it has completely stopped because that’s not what it’s designed to do. As discussed above, the purpose of a defib is to detect irregular heart rhythms and shock them back to normal rhythms, not to shock a heart back to life once it has flatlined.
What are the 4 special situations you should look for before using an AED?
- Excessive chest hair. If the victim has a hairy chest you will need to remove the hair prior to placing the AED pads on the victim’s chest. ...
- Medication Patches. ...
- Water and/or sweat. ...
- Pacemakers or Defibrillators. ...
- Fully Automated AED.
When should you not use AED?
- Do not use an AED if the person is lying in water, covered in water or their chest is too wet from sweat.
- Do not place an AED pad over a medication patch or over a pacemaker.
- Do not use an AED on a child younger than 12 months without adequate training.
How many times can you shock a patient with an AED?
In short; a person can be shocked as many times as necessary , however, with each shock that fails to return the heart to a normal rhythm, the chances of survival decreases.
