An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that is used to deliver a shock to the heart in order to restore its normal rhythm in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. The AED analyzes the heart rhythm and, if necessary, advises the operator to deliver a shock through paddles or electrodes placed on the patient's chest.
The AED is designed to be used by non-medical personnel, such as first responders or bystanders, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to operate the device. It also has built-in safety features that prevent the operator from delivering a shock unless the device detects a specific heart rhythm that requires defibrillation.
The use of AEDs has been shown to significantly increase the chances of survival for people who experience sudden cardiac arrest, especially if the device is used within the first few minutes of the onset of symptoms. They are often found in public places such as airports, schools, and sports stadiums, as well as in many emergency medical service vehicles.
Shock: The shock delivered by the AED is designed to reset the heart's electrical activity and restore a normal rhythm, which can help to restore blood flow to the body and save the person's life.
Analysis: Before the shock is delivered, the AED analyzes the person's heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. If a shock is needed, the AED will instruct the user to press a button to deliver the shock, which is called defibrillation.
Defibrillation is the process of delivering a shock to the heart to try to restore a normal heart rhythm. This is done in cases of cardiac arrest when the heart is not beating properly and cannot pump blood to the body.
Overall, an AED is an important tool for responding to cardiac emergencies, and it can be used by anyone to help save a person's life. it. Online CPR/AED certification courses are a convenient and effective way to learn the latest techniques and protocols for using AEDs and performing CPR. These courses provide comprehensive training in life-saving skills, including how to recognize the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, how to perform high-quality CPR, and how to use an AED to deliver an electric shock and restore normal heart rhythm.
People who have used a defibrillator report that the shock is painful, even though it is a required and effective preventive therapy.
Unfortunately, no. A taser doesn't work in the same way as a defibrillator. A Taser delivers a high voltage low current shock designed to incapacitate the subject. When the trigger is pulled, and the probes go in, it delivers that shock for 5 seconds unless the person firing it intervenes. On the other hand, an AED delivers a controlled shock with a specific voltage designed to restore the patient's normal heart rhythm. In addition, AEDs can be found in most public buildings, so there's no way for you not to use a defibrillator unless you are in a remote area.
If you are a medical provider and you don't have a defibrillator available in the area, you can perform the CPR Steps until advanced cardiac life support is available.
One of the most frequent issues with AEDs has been battery failure. So if the AED fails to operate, the depleted battery should be removed and replaced with a new one. If the AED still doesn't work, continue performing CPR until the emergency medical services arrive.
An AED can only be used on someone with Tachycardia or a rapid heart rate. You cannot use it on victims with an extremely slow heart rhythm or those whose heart stops beating. When you attach the electrode pads to the victim's chest, the AED will determine whether the victim's heart needs an electric shock or not.
The purpose of the recovery position is to prevent suffocation through airway obstruction, which can occur in unconscious supine patients. If the patient regains consciousness, you must put him in a recovery position while waiting for the EMS to arrive.
Most AED pads include written and visual instructions for placement, so you will be guided accordingly on where to put the electrode pads. The pads are a crucial part of AED because they enable the electrical shock to pass through the victim's heart, so it's essential to attach them correctly.
Removing clothing and accessories on the victim's chest is important because you need to attach the electrode pads to the skin. Direct skin contact is necessary for an AED to deliver an electric shock to a patient experiencing an abnormal heart rhythm. Therefore, any blockage that could get in the way should be removed or trimmed away.
If a victim needing an AED shock has metal jewelry on their body, in places where the AED pads need to go, do not put them over the metals. If the metals cannot be removed, healthcare providers suggest moving the pads an inch away from the metal to perform AED treatment.
Any jewelry or clothing that could interfere with the use of the pads should be removed since they must be connected to bare skin. You must also remove any metal-containing clothing, such as an underwire bra, from the area where the pads are attached.
American Heart Association (2020). Automated External Defibrillators (AED). Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/automated-external-defibrillators-aed
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