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AED- ADULT
Advanced life support, including intravenous drugs and defibrillation (the
administration of an electric shock to the heart) is usually needed to restore a viable
heart rhythm.
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An AED will only work for patients with certain heart rhythms, namely
ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
An AED will not work for the 'flat line' asystolic patient, although CPR can help
induce a shockable rhythm in an asystolic patient.
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CPR begun immediately and continued until defibrillation is available helps to
circulate blood that contains oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.
CPR is performed in conjunction with the use of an automated external defibrillator
(AED).
An AED is a device that analyzes the heart’s electrical rhythm and, if necessary,
prompts you to deliver a shock to a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Defibrillation is a process of delivering an electrical shock that disrupts a heart’s
electrical activity long enough to allow the heart to spontaneously develop and
effective rhythm on its own.
If the AED prompts you “No shock advised,” the AED will prompt you to continue
CPR.
Each minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces the chance of survival of a sudden
cardiac arrest victim by about 10 percent.
Early defibrillation can save the lives of more people in cardiac arrest.
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Using an AED on an Adult
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CHECK the scene for safety, CHECK the victim for life-threatening conditions
 Tap shoulder and shout, “Are you Okay?”
 If no response call 911
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CALL 911 (or have someone else call 911)
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CARE for the victim
(If an unconscious person is face-down, roll face-up supporting the head, neck
and back.)
 Open Airway- Check ABC’s (signs of life) for no more than 10 seconds
 Airway- Open the airway
 Breathing- Check for movement or breathing
 Circulation- Check for signs of life (pulse) and severe bleeding
If no signs of life
 Start CPR and continue until AED is ready
 Turn on the AED
 Wipe Chest dry (remove any medication patches with a gloved hand)
 Attach one pad to upper right chest (chest must be bare)
 Attach one pad to lower left side (must be bare)
 Make sure no one, including you is touching the person
 Say “Everyone Stand Clear
 Push ANALYZE button- let AED analyze heart rhythm
 If shock advised
 Say “Everyone Stand Clear
 Push shock button when prompted
After shock is given or “No shock advised”
 Give 5 cycles or about 2 minutes of CPR
Continue with AED and CPR until advanced medical personnel arrive and take over.