


The AED will tell you when to press the button and deliver a charge.

If a shock is needed, the AED will say “Shock advised, charging.” Shout “Clear” and be sure no one is touching the victim. This is the point where the machine will analyze the victim’s heart rhythm to decide if a shock is needed. Press both pads down so they’re firmly attached.įollow the prompts from the AED. Place an electrical pad on the lower left, on the ribs under the armpit. Place an electrical pad on the upper right side of the chest, above the nipple. Turn on the machine, either by opening the lid or pressing the “On” button. The AED will deliver step-by-step instructions through voice prompts, text messages, and lights. However, the concept is the same, and they’re all designed to be very intuitive and easy to use in an emergency. There are a number of different manufacturers, so there are variations between different models. Most AEDs are designed to be used on full-sized adults, or children aged 8 or older who weigh more than 55 pounds. While you can safely deliver a shock in rain, snow, or on a damp surface, it’s best not to try it while the victim is lying in standing water-like a kiddie pool or bathtub-or on a metal surface. When using an AED, some precautions should be taken. If the patient gets defibrillated early enough, their chances of survival go up to 50% or higher. The AED can be crucial to saving lives-because the more time lapses without oxygenated blood circulating in the body, the more the heart, brain, and other organs are damaged.įor every minute an arrhythmic heart does not get defibrillated, the chances of the patient’s survival go down by 10%. This gives the heart a chance to reset itself and, hopefully, start up a normal, rhythmic heartbeat again.

The AED recognizes both types of arrhythmia and will deliver a shock to stop the heart-halting the irregular electrical signal. Both types of arrhythmia can result in cardiac arrest and death. This cuts the amount of oxygen the heart gets, and impairs its ability to pump blood even further. Ventricular fibrillation occurs at the extreme end of that-where the heartbeat becomes so rapid and chaotic that the heart walls quiver uselessly, losing their ability to pump blood.īoth types of heart arrhythmia reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood. Ventricular tachycardia occurs when the heart beats faster than normal. Both are caused by a misfiring in the electrical signal that keeps the heart pumping normally. They’re that easy to use.ĪEDs are designed to recognize two types of abnormal heart rhythms: ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. While many CPR training programs include training in the use of an AED-ours does-you don’t need to have training in order to use one. It provides clear, easily understood directions that can be followed by non-medical professionals. If it is, the rescuer presses the button to deliver the shock to the victim’s heart-stimulating it to assume its normal rhythm.ĪEDs are medically sophisticated equipment, but they’re designed to be used by anyone, whether or not you have any medical training. The rescuer attaches the electrodes, and through these the AED analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm to determine whether an electric shock is needed.
AED IN CPR STANDS FOR PORTABLE
When that occurs, an AED delivers an electrical charge that can restart the heart’s electrical system.Īn AED is a lightweight, portable device with a built-in computer and adhesive electrodes that can be attached to a victim’s chest. It fires an electric burst in a rhythmic pattern to stimulate your heart to beat.Ĭardiac arrest occurs when this electrical system fails-and the steady rhythm of your heartbeat stops. The heart has its own natural pacemaker: the SA node, which is located in the right upper chamber (atrium) of the heart. AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator.
