AED use is indicated if a person collapses and is unresponsive and not breathing . A shock from an AED is typically only delivered in about 1/2 of the victims in this condition but with high-quality CPR the heart may need a shock when the condition of the heart changes.
When should you use an AED on a person?
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).
What is an AED used for?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal . Ventricular fibrillation is the uncoordinated heart rhythm most often responsible for sudden cardiac arrest.
What are the indications for the AED?
- Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
- Cardiac arrest due to or resulting in VF.
When should an AED be used in the CPR process?
AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators), when used swiftly- in the first 3-5 minutes of a person collapsing -have been shown to dramatically increase the survival rate of people suffering from cardiac arrest.
Can you put an AED on a conscious person?
A defibrillator should be applied whenever CPR is performed . If the casualty is breathing, regardless of whether they are responsive (conscious) or not responsive (unconscious), a defibrillator is not required.
How do you use an AED on a woman?
Apply the AED electrode pads as indicated on the packaging . On most women, the breasts will fall to the side once clothing is removed. They will no longer be “in the way” of performing CPR and hand placement would be the same as on a man – two fingers above the bottom of the sternum, between the nipples.
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 are two things you should do before using an AED?
- 1Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts.
- 2 Open the person’s shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry. ...
- 3 Attach the AED pads, and plug in the connector (if necessary).
- 4Make sure no one is, including you, is touching the person.
When should an AED not be used?
Do not use an AED when there is water present or the victim is wet . Electricity will take the path of least resistance, so if there is water on the chest then the shock will travel through the water instead of the heart muscle. No one should touch the victim during delivery of the electrical shock by an AED.
Does an AED required maintenance?
Does an AED Require Maintenance? Aside from routine inspections and replacement of expiring consumable items AEDs do not require much attention . Manufacturers may recommend additional maintenance such as cleaning or examining connections, but most devices are designed to remain untouched until needed in a rescue.
When should you shock a patient?
Electrical cardioversion is used when the patient has a pulse but is either unstable, or chemical cardioversion has failed or is unlikely to be successful. These scenarios may be associated with chest pain, pulmonary oedema, syncope or hypotension.
What are the contraindications for using an AED?
- The Person is Suffering From a Heart Attack. ...
- The AED Is Faulty or Has Expired Parts. ...
- The Victim Has a DNR. ...
- The Victim Is Wet or Lying in Water. ...
- The Victim Has a Medication Patch or Pacemaker. ...
- The Victim Has a Hairy Chest.
What are the 5 steps involved in 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 comes first CPR or 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 AED instead of CPR?
Take Away . AED , when used during CPR, can increase the survival rate of the victim. The American Heart Association has stated that the survival rate of the victims nearly doubles when AED is administered along with CPR. While CPR help maintains blood flow, AED ensures proper heart rhythm.
