Download AED Study Notes

Automated External
Defibrillation
Public Access Defibrillation
• CPR and defibrillation improve chance for
survival from sudden cardiac death.
• Defibrillation can be provided by rescuers
through the use of automated external
defibrillators (AEDs).
• Public access defibrillation (PAD) laws
promote the use of AEDs in public places.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved devices for the home.
How the Heart Works
• Heart is a muscle.
• Four chambers store
blood.
• Pacemaker cells send
electrical impulses;
heart muscle contracts.
• Normal sinus rhythm
When Normal Electrical
Activity Is Interrupted (1 of 2)
• Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)
– A common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of
sudden cardiac arrest in adults
– Chaotic electrical activity that causes loss of
circulation
From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.
When Normal Electrical
Activity Is Interrupted (2 of 2)
• Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)
– A common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of
sudden cardiac arrest in adults
– Very rapid electrical activity
– Heart may be unable to pump blood
effectively.
From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.
Care for Cardiac Arrest
• CPR is the initial care until defibrillator is
available.
• V-fib and V-tach can be corrected with
defibrillation, but time is critical.
• For every minute that defibrillation is delayed,
victim’s chance for survival decreases by 7% to
10%.
• Provide CPR until defibrillator is available.
About AEDs (1 of 2)
• Analyzes the heart rhythm
• Determines and advises need to shock
• Delivers electrical shock to the victim in cardiac
arrest
• Can reestablish heart rhythm that will generate
a pulse
About AEDs (2 of 2)
• Common elements
– On/off button
– Cable and pads
(electrodes)
– Analysis capability
– Defibrillation
capability
– Prompts to guide user
– Battery operation for
portability
Using an AED (1 of 2)
• Turn the unit on.
• Apply AED pads
to bare, dry chest.
• Make sure cable
is attached to the
AED.
Using an AED (2 of 2)
• Stand clear and analyze
the heart rhythm.
• Deliver a shock if
indicated.
• Perform CPR for 2
minutes.
• Repeat analysis.
• Repeat shock and CPR
as needed.
Special
Considerations (1 of 2)
• Water
– Remove victim from
water.
– Dry victim’s chest.
• Children/infants
– Use pediatric pads if
available.
• Medication patches
– Remove patches and
wipe skin.
Special
Considerations (2 of 2)
• Implanted devices
– Pacemakers and
defibrillators
– Avoid placing
electrode pads
over devices if
possible.
AED Maintenance
• Preventive
maintenance checks
are recommended.
• AED automatically
performs periodic
self-tests.
• Check supplies, such
as expiration dates on
electrode pads and
batteries.
AED Manufacturers
• Devices and
supplies are
available from
different
manufacturers.
• All devices
function similarly.