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Several statistics have shown that most of the general population do not know how to use an AED or an automated external defibrillator.
Yes, many people might argue that an AED is a medical device and should be used by medical personnel, but the truth is that no one knows when someone they know might suffer a cardiac arrest. In most cases, only someone who knows how to use an AED may be able to help.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm of a person in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and help deliver an electrical shock/defibrillation to help restore the normal heartbeat of that person.
This article aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence required to use an AED effectively in critical situations.
Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Many people confuse a heart attack for sudden cardiac arrest. However, while both phenomena involve the heart, the way that they occur is quite different.
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a part of the heart does not get enough blood, but not all heart attack leads to cardiac arrest.
Sudden cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is the sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm. In the case of a sudden cardiac arrest, breathing stops, and the person becomes unconscious. If treatment is not provided immediately, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death.
This is where AEDs and the need to know how to use an AED come in.
Note: AEDs can lead to the death of an individual in minutes if left unattended.
The Role of AEDs
The heart enters an irregular rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VFib) when sudden cardiac arrest occurs. Automated external Defibrillators are designed to detect VFib and deliver a controlled electrical shock that helps restore the heart to a normal rhythm.
It is advisable to use an AED immediately after cardiac arrest is detected, as this can potentially restart a person’s heart and significantly improve their chances of survival.
Where Can I Find AEDs?
Thankfully, many organizations and government bodies now understand the need for AEDs in public spaces, and more importantly, they now provide free training to members of the public and even high school students, teaching them how to use an AED.
Most public spaces that are likely to have AEDs include:
- Airports
- Shopping Malls
- Schools
- Workplaces
- Gyms
- Hospitals
- Manufacturing Plants
Note: If you suspect that a person has just suffered a cardiac arrest, ask for medical personnel before attempting to use the AED on them. Only use the AED if you have been trained to use one.
We also recommend getting CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training or AED training with CPR certification to enable you to use an AED properly and be certified to use one in case of an emergency.
How to Use an AED: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every AED is built differently depending on the brand and type. However, the variations between most AEDs are minimal and should not affect the overall usage of the device. AEDs made by Zoll work well with the steps described in this article.
Here is a step-by-step guide for how to use an AED device in case of a sudden cardiac arrest:
Check the Scene
Before approaching someone who has just suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), ensure that you check the scene to ensure that whatever caused their cardiac arrest is no longer in the area and it is safe to approach.
Common items to look out for include naked wires and dangerous insects or animals.
Call for Help
If you are alone with the victim of a cardiac arrest, ensure that you call the emergency medical services (EMS) in your area immediately or call for help if you don’t have such services.
If someone else is present, let the person make the emergency call while you prepare the person for resuscitation.
Check for Responsiveness
You must shake the person’s shoulders and ask loudly, making sure they can hear you saying, “Are you alright?” The goal is to see if they respond or not.
Put your hand close to their nose to see if the person is breathing or not.
If you have confirmed that they are non-responsive, then you can move on to the next step.
Open the Airway
Tilt the head of the person backward and lift the chin to allow the airway to open up as a way of ensuring unobstructed breathing.
Look, Listen, and Feel for Breathing
Look at the person’s chest to see if it rises and falls, indicating that the person is breathing. Listen for breathing sounds by putting your ear close to the nose and mouth, or feel for breath with your cheeks.
If, after 10 seconds, the person is still not breathing, proceed to deliver CPR.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Steps
While this article is not focused on CPR, it is important to begin CPR if the person is not breathing. Only perform CPR if you are trained in CPR. If not, then proceed to retrieve the AED immediately.
Retrieve the AED
Locate the nearest AED and retrieve it from the wall mount or wherever it is located. Most AEDs, like the AEDs made by Zoll, typically have clear visual and audio instructions to guide you through the process.
Turn on the AED
Most AEDs typically turn on automatically once you remove them from their wall mount.
Follow the calm and clear voice that comes preinstalled with your AED.
Prepare the Person
The AED will instruct you on how to expose the person’s chest. All you have to do is carefully remove any clothing that’s covering their chest.
Attach the Pads
Take the adhesive electrode pads that come with the AED, peel off the backing and carefully apply the pads to the person’s bare chest as instructed by the AED. You typically want one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left chest.
Stay Clear and Don’t Touch the Person
After attaching the pads, ensure that you stay completely clear of the person as the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.
Follow AED Instructions
The AED automatically determines if a shock is necessary, and if one is needed, it will instruct you to step back while it attempts to deliver a shock.
Continue CPR (If Required)
After the shock is delivered, the AED will instruct you to continue CPR for a set period.
Continue CPR until:
- The person starts breathing normally
- Help arrives
- Or you become exhausted
Monitor the Person
Once the AED has delivered the shock and CPR is no longer needed, you must monitor the person’s condition until help arrives.
You should:
- Maintain an open airway
- Check for breathing
- Stay calm and reassure the person
- Hand them over to medical professionals
All Security Equipment – Your One-Stop Shop for Emergency Equipment
The quality of emergency devices like the AED should never be compromised, which is why you should only shop for AEDs from certified and trusted brands.
We understand the hassle of trying to verify every brand you shop from, so we only stock equipment from verified and trusted global brands.
All Security Equipment is a one-stop shop for high-quality security, construction, and emergency equipment and accessories.
We vet every brand we partner with, so you don’t have to. You simply have to pick the item you need from our website or speak with our customer service personnel.
Remember that every minute counts when a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, your AED device should be the last thing you should ever worry about. Getting a premium AED from our website guarantees that.
