An automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a compact device that sends an electric shock to restore the heart’s rhythm during cardiac arrest. AEDs are different from defibrillators used in hospitals. However, both devices analyze the heart’s rhythm and provide electric shock as required.
When a person is not breathing or in cardiac arrest, blood stops flowing to the brain and vital organs. If the victim is left untreated, it can cause death within a few minutes. We can use AED to restore the heartbeat and avoid possible fatalities in this situation.
AEDs save lives by analyzing the heart rhythm of the victim and providing suggestions to deliver the electric shock depending on the victim’s condition. It can recognize irregular or rapid heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation or fast ventricular tachycardia, that may require a shock. If a shock to the heart is needed, the AED will suggest providing an electric shock. The electric shock can restore a normal heart rhythm.
How to Use AED?
AED is usually recommended when a person is not breathing or suffering from cardiac arrest. There are certain things you should consider when using AED. Following certain processes is essential for making it effective.
Using AED can differ slightly as per the victim’s age. While using AED for adults, we can follow some steps to operate the AED machine.
Steps to Use an AED for Adults:
- Check the scene for safety. Ensure that the victim and the area around them are dry.
- Check for responsiveness. Call for help or instruct someone to call emergency services if the victim does not respond.
- Turn on the AED by pressing the power button or opening the lid (depending on the model).
- Most AEDs have voice prompts that guide you through the steps for using AED. Simply follow the instructions as prescribed in the manual.
- Prepare the person by removing the clothes and making the victim’s chest dry and hairless.
- Peel the AED Pads from the packaging and apply them to the person’s bare chest.
- AED electrode pads will begin analyzing the heart rhythm.
- Now, as per the suggestion in the AED machine, you can either proceed to provide an electric shock or begin CPR again if the AED displays “NO SHOCK ADVISED.”
- Continue CPR until any professional medical help arrives.
When using AED for a child, you must consider two crucial things, those are pad placement and chest compression. One electrode pad should be placed on the center of the chest and the other one should be placed on the center of the upper back. Chest compression for a child under 8 years old has a different rhythm than the adults. So ensure that the chest compression for child should be no more than 2 inches depth of the chest.
Steps to Use an AED for a Child:
- Power on the AED Machine.
- Prepare the victim by removing the clothes and making the victim’s chest dry.
- Place one pad on the lower left chest and the other on the upper right chest.
- AED electrode pads will begin analyzing the heart rhythm.
- Now, as per the suggestion in the AED machine, you can either proceed to provide an electric shock or begin CPR again if the AED displays “NO SHOCK ADVISED.”
- If the device displays “NO SHOCK ADVISED”, perform 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
- Continue CPR until any professional medical help arrives.
Remember that learning how to use AED can greatly increase the survival rate of victims during the time of emergency. So, for a more detailed explanation of how to use an AED correctly, you can go through our blog on How to use an AED.
When to Use AED?
Depending upon the availability of AEDs and the number of bystanders present at the location, we can identify the right time to use AEDs. It is always better to provide CPR before using AED. During the stage of sudden cardiac arrest, the time is crucial for the victim. Hands-only CPR will help in the blood flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs. It is always better to provide CPR immediately than to search for any AED device nearby. If the AED is accessible, you can analyze the heart rhythm and decide to deliver the electric shock.
If there are multiple bystanders present at the location. One can start CPR while the other can search for nearby AED devices available at that spot. Using CPR and AED simultaneously and at the right time increases the effectiveness of AED devices.
When You Shouldn’t Use an AED?
There are several instances when you shouldn’t use an AED. In these situations, the AED could be ineffective or cause additional problems for the victim and the person using the AED machine. So, considering the situations where you should avoid using the AED, here are some instances you must consider.
The Person Is Wet or Lying on a Wet Surface
Always avoid using AEDs while the person is wet or lying on a wet surface. The water is a good conductor of electricity. Since AEDs are used for delivering electrical shock, it is dangerous for both the user and the victim. Always ensure to use AED after the victim is placed far away from the contact of water. Make sure to dry the skin and chest area before placing the AED pads on the victim.
The Victim Is Conscious and Breathing Normally
If the victim is conscious and breathing usually, then it is not recommended to use AED. Sometimes a person during sudden cardiac arrest may have abnormal breathing. During these instances, please do not confuse yourself with abnormal breathing as normal breathing. Immediately consider using AED during this time.
The Person Is Suffering from a Heart Attack
Cardiac arrest and heart attack are both different conditions. Electrical shock from an AED device will not work for a heart attack. So, it is recommended not to use AED for a person suffering from a heart attack.
The AED Is Faulty or Has Expired Parts
Always check your device and perform daily tests to find any faultiness. Check the expiry date on the battery and electrode pads. Keeping your device up to date and free from fault is crucial. During emergencies, having these problems may endanger the lives of victims.
The Victim Has a DNR
If you observe any Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) sign or bracelet on the victim, consider their wish. Avoid using AED on this condition to respect their request.
The Victim Has a Hairy Chest
There should be direct contact between the AED pads and the victim’s skin to work AED effectively. You can use a razor to remove the hair from the chest if the person has a hairy chest. In case you had to use AED in a hairy chest, apply significant pressure to place the pads as close to the chest as you can.
Importance of AEDs at Various Places
An AED kit ensures all necessary tools are readily available during an emergency. A complete AED kit, whether at home, in the office, or in public places, guarantees that responders have everything they need to act immediately and effectively. These devices play an important role in saving lives by providing immediate treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. Selecting the right AED, whether it’s for home use or the workplace, can be a wise decision. Investing in AED kits and placing them in accessible locations is a proactive step towards creating safer environments and improving survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
AED for Public Places
Public places are the center for large gatherings of people, making them critical locations for AEDs. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone and anywhere. Immediate access to an AED can make the difference between life and death. Airports, shopping malls, stadiums, and schools are increasingly equipped with AEDs to ensure quick response times during cardiac emergencies. The presence of an AED in these areas can improve the chances of survival significantly, as timely defibrillation is crucial.
Some of the recommended AED machines for Public Places:
Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AED
AED for Home
Having an AED kit for home use is particularly important for families with members at higher risk of cardiac issues. The best AED for home use is one that is user-friendly, reliable, and provides clear instructions. It is best to get AED that can be used by non-medical personnel, making them ideal choices for home environments. These AED kits come with step-by-step voice instructions and visual cues, ensuring that even individuals with no medical background can operate them effectively during an emergency.
Some of the recommended AED machines for Home:
HeartSine samaritan PAD 350P and 360p
Defibtech Lifeline and Lifeline AUTO AEDs
AED for Workplace
Workplaces are another critical environment where AEDs can save lives. Given the significant amount of time people spend at work. Having an AED readily available is a wise decision to prevent casualties. The best AED for the workplace should be durable, easy to use, and capable of withstanding a variety of environmental conditions. Top choices include the AED, which offers robust features such as CPR feedback and real-time guidance. These devices are designed to ensure that employees can respond quickly and effectively to sudden cardiac arrest, increasing the chances of survival.
Some of the recommended AED machines for the Workplace:
Defibtech Lifeline VIEW / ECG AEDs
Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AED
How to Choose the Best AED For Your Requirement?
Selecting the best AED for your requirements involves balancing ease of use, portability, durability, maintenance, cost, and additional features like CPR feedback and pediatric capability. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose an AED that provides the best possible support during a cardiac emergency. Choosing the best AED requires careful consideration of several factors. Whether you need an AED for home, workplace, or public use, here are the key aspects to consider:
Ease of Use
Selecting an AED with a user-friendly interface should be your first priority. Look for AED with clear and straightforward instructions. Select an AED with step-by-step voice prompts and visual cues so that even untrained users can use it easily.
Portability
Select AED according to the type of environment you want to use. Always look for something portable, small, and lightweight for home use. Portable AEDs are easier to store and carry. It can also be quickly accessed during an emergency.
Durability
Choosing the AED with a rugged design would be appropriate for public places and workplaces. Durable AEDs are required to withstand rough handling and various environmental conditions. When selecting the AED for Public and workplaces, always look for water- and dust-resistant devices. The device with a high Ingress Protection (IP) rating will certainly provide better durability for use in outdoor and dusty environments.
CPR Feedback
AEDs with CPR feedback provide real-time instructions on the quality and rate of compressions. This feature can be particularly beneficial for those who are not CPR certified or lack training in providing CPR.
Pediatric Capability
If you are looking for an AED to use on children, ensure it comes with pediatric pads or has a mode that adjusts the shock strength for pediatric use.
Battery Life and Maintenance
When selecting an AED, always choose a device with good battery longevity. You need to choose AEDs with long-lasting batteries and clear indicators of battery status. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and ensures the device is always ready and available.
Conclusion
AEDs play a vital role in saving the life of an individual suffering from cardiac arrest. We can significantly improve the survival rate by understanding its working and making sure that they are easily available. Depending on the accessibility of AED devices and the number of bystanders present at the location, we can identify the right time to use an AED. Selecting a device that meets the user’s requirements and purpose is essential for increasing its effectiveness.
You can learn to use an AED by joining CPR or BLS classes. These classes provide thorough knowledge on how to properly use AEDs in emergencies. For comprehensive CPR training and AED use, join Heart Start CPR. With us, you will get proper guidance and hands-on training on using AEDs and effectively responding to cardiac emergencies. Enroll now and gain the skills needed to save a life!
