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Using an AED
When the heart “suddenly” fails
1.
2.
Heart has an electrical system
Signal sent through the upper chambers
(atria)
3. Continues through lower chambers
(ventricles)
4. This signal causes the muscle to contract
and relax at a regular rhythm
Damage hearts can have a faulty
electrical system
1.
Abnormal heart rhythms that
can stop the circulation of blood
2. If circulation is disrupted it will
eventually make it back to the
heart muscle and when that
fails the heart stops
Types of Rhythms
Types of Rhythms
This is a rhythm you can shock
If the heart suddenly stops…
1. The victim will most likely collapse,
become unconscious and stop breathing
2. This is where seconds count – they
typically go into one of the shock-able
rhythms first before complete heart stop
If you do nothing else…
The most important thing you can do as a layperson
responder is to call for help. If you don’t call…They
probably don’t live.
If you do nothing else…
During sudden heart stop – don’t forget to call 911
FIRST!
Using an AED
AED can be used as soon as it’s available:
1. Don’t stop CPR until you are ready to
apply the AED
2. Follow the prompts on the machine
3. I’m clear – you’re clear – we’re all clear
Precautions for an AED…
1. Do not use alcohol to wipe the person’s chest dry –
It’s flammable
2. Do not use an AED and/or pads designed for adults
on children younger than 8 or weighing less than
55 pounds unless Pediatric Pads are available
3. Do not use pediatric pads on a child / adult older
than 8 years old. Pediatric pads deliver a lower
voltage that is appropriate for children only.
4. Don’t touch the person while analyzing or
shocking
Precautions for an AED…
1. Do not defribullate around flammable items
2. Do not use in a moving vehicle
3. Do not use on a person that is wet or in contact
with water.
4. Do not put the AED Pad on top of a nitroglycerin
patch or other medical patch.
5. Pacemakers do not typically present any problems
with using an AED
How to use the AED
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Call 911
Remove the shirt of the victim
Apply the pads to the chest as shown on the pads
Turn the unit on
Tell everyone to “STAND CLEAR”
Follow any other prompts while analyzing
If advised to shock – MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS
CLEAR
8. Press the shock button
9. Continue CPR
Special Situations
Water
1. Remove the victim from the water
2. Dry them off
3. Make sure you are not wet or in any water on the
ground
4. Avoid getting the unit or the pads overly wet. –
Rain won’t make a huge difference as long as it’s
not a monsoon!
Special Situations
Pacemakers
1. Usually located below the left collar bone and
don’t present a problem with pad placement
2. Do not put a pad in contact with the pacemaker
3. If unsure about a pacemaker, shock anyway –
usually won’t make a difference.
Special Situations
Pacemakers
1. Usually located below the left collar bone and
don’t present a problem with pad placement
2. Do not put a pad in contact with the pacemaker
3. If unsure about a pacemaker, shock anyway –
usually won’t make a difference.
Special Situations
Medical Patches
1. Remove the patch – be sure you are wearing
gloves, you can receive the medication if you get it
on your skin
Special Situations
Hypothermia
1. Be sure the victim is dry (as much as possible)
2. Never withhold CPR or AED use while trying to rewarm someone
Special Situations
Chest Hair
1. Excessive chest hair may interfere with the
machine
2. Use a set of pads on the chest hair – press down
hard then rip them off and remove some of the
hair
3. Some AED kits have a safety razor to remove hair
also