Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are vital. They save lives in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). It is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart stops. Without immediate intervention, this can lead to death within minutes. AEDs are effective. They deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart. This helps restore its normal rhythm and gives patients a chance to survive.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) kills over 350,000 people a year in the U.S. It is a leading cause of death. This life-threatening condition can strike anyone, regardless of age or health. It can affect those who appear to be perfectly fit.
Each minute after a sudden cardiac arrest reduces survival chances by 10%. Quick action, including using an AED, is vital for survival in these emergencies.
What is an AED?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) treats cardiac arrest. It is a critical condition where the heart stops working. It works by delivering an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs are designed for easy use and need minimal training. So anyone can use them. Refer to the user manual for guidance specific to your device.
How does an AED work?
AEDs use complex algorithms to deliver lifesaving therapy. Despite this, they have a simple design with a few key parts.
- Electrode pads: Electrode pads are adhesive patches on a patient’s chest to track heart rhythm. If the AED detects a need for a shock, it delivers an electrical pulse through these pads. This aims to restore the heart’s normal function.
- Battery: The battery powers the AED. It charges the capacitor to deliver a lifesaving shock when needed. It also supports essential self-tests and diagnostics to ensure the device functions correctly.
- Capacitor: The capacitor is vital to an AED. It stores energy and releases it in a single, powerful burst. The capacitor must hold enough power to deliver a life-saving shock.
- Processor: The processor is the AED’s brain. It analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm to see if a shock is needed.
AEDs recognize two deadly heart arrhythmias: ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. When it detects these irregular rhythms, the device shocks the heart. This restores a normal heartbeat. Unlike the manual defibrillators in hospitals, AEDs are fully automated. They need no operators to interpret ECG readings. Instead, the device analyzes the rhythms. This makes it easy to use in emergencies.
AEDs are now ordinary in busy public places. You can use them right away during a cardiac arrest. This provides critical treatment before emergency responders arrive.
Before using an AED.
If someone collapses and is unresponsive, act fast. Call 911. Do Hands-Only CPR. Use an AED to help restart their heart.
STEP 1 – CALL: Recognize Cardiac Arrest and Call 911
Check if the scene is safe before offering help. Do a quick assessment of your surroundings.
Check if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing. This may indicate cardiac arrest. Call 911 immediately if a phone is accessible, or instruct someone nearby to make the call. Start CPR without delay.
The American Heart Association says CPR is vital for a cardiac arrest patient. It should continue until a defibrillator is available.
STEP 2 – PUSH: Perform CPR
Start CPR. Press firmly and quickly on the center of the chest. One person should call 911. Another should get the AED.
STEP 3 – SHOCK
The American Heart Association says early defibrillation boosts cardiac arrest survival rates. Once the AED arrives, follow its instructions to proceed.
How to use an AED?
Designers create FDA-approved AEDs that are easy for users to operate. They have voice instructions that guide responders through the rescue process. These devices are easy to use with little training. They meet strict FDA usability standards from rigorous human testing.
Although AED units may differ in operation, they share standard features. For specific guidance, refer to your device’s owner manual.
Let’s review the essential steps for responding to cardiac arrest. For detailed guidance, refer to our CALL-PUSH-SHOCK guide.
STEP 1 – CALL: Recognize Cardiac Arrest and Call 911
- Scene Safety: Perform a quick survey of the scene to make sure that it is safe for you to help
- Check for responsiveness: if the victim is not responsive and not breathing normally, they might be in cardiac arrest.
- Call 911
STEP 2 – PUSH: Perform CPR
- Start CPR: Push hard and fast on the center of the chest while calling 911 and asking another person to get the AED. Learn how.
STEP 3 – SHOCK: Steps for Using an AED
- Turn it on: Listen to the voice prompts.
- Expose the patient’s chest: Expose the person’s chest and ensure it is dry to allow the AED electrode pads to stick correctly to the skin.
- Apply the AED electrodes on the patient’s bare chest: Follow the AED’s prompts and refer to the graphics on the electrode pads for correct placement. One pad goes on the right side below the collarbone. The other goes on the left side under the armpit.
- Analyzing: Once it detects the pads are placed right, the AED will prompt and analyze the patient’s heart rhythm.
- Delivering a shock (if needed): If the AED detects cardiac arrest and a shock is needed, the delivery method will vary. The device’s classification depends on whether it is semi-automatic or fully automatic.
Fully automatic AED: The device will charge if a shock is needed. It will instruct everyone to stand clear. It will then deliver the shock automatically, requiring no manual input.
Semi-automatic AED: If a shock is needed, it will charge. Then, it will prompt you to press a flashing button to deliver it. Take care to distinguish it from the power button during an emergency.
- Perform CPR & Re-analyze. AEDs follow AHA guidelines. They recommend two minutes of CPR between rhythm analyses. Always adhere to the device’s instructions throughout the process.
- Continue listening to the AED until EMS arrives and takes over the rescue.
How To Use an AED on an Adult
- Turn on the AED and follow the audio instructions.
- Remove all clothing surrounding the patient’s chest (including bra).
- Apply the included electrode pads to the person’s bare skin. Make sure the person’s chest is dry.
- Allow the AED to analyze the person’s heart rhythm. Make sure no one, including you, is touching the victim. Touching the victim can interrupt the AED’s analysis.
- Deliver a shock (if needed): If the AED finds the patient in cardiac arrest, it will shock them if needed. The shock delivery method depends on the model. Is it semi-automatic or fully automatic?
Fully automatic AED: It charges and instructs you to stand clear if it needs to deliver a shock. It provides the shock automatically. A built-in mechanism performs this, so you do not need to press any buttons.
Semi-automatic AED: If a shock is needed, the AED charges and prompts you to press a visible, flashing button to deliver it. Make sure to distinguish this from the power button during an urgent situation.
Ensure everyone stands clear of the patient while the AED administers the shock.
- Perform CPR and re-analyze. AEDs follow the AHA’s guidelines. They recommend two minutes of CPR between heart rhythm checks. Always follow the AED’s prompts for when to continue CPR or administer another shock.
- Keep following the AED’s instructions until emergency medical services arrive to take over.
How to use an AED on a child.
When using an AED on a child, check if it requires pediatric electrode pads or has a built-in attenuator. These pads work like adult ones. They let the AED assess the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if needed.
The main difference when using an AED on a child is the shock’s reduced energy level. It’s generally adjusted from 150 joules for adults to 50 joules for children.
The AED’s attenuation may vary by model. It may be pre-set in pediatric electrode pads for children. Or, it may be in the device and activated via a button or switch.
- If your AED has separate child electrodes, use the pediatric pads in an emergency. Turn on the device and follow the voice instructions as you would for an adult.
- Press the button to switch to pediatric mode for AEDs that use the same pads for adults and children.
The pad placement for children differs from that of adults.
Steps for using an AED on a Child:
- Turn on the AED and follow the audio instructions.
- Remove all clothing surrounding the patient’s chest and ensure their skin is dry.
- Press the child button or insert the child key into the AED.
- Attach the pediatric pads, if available.
For children, place AED pads on the front and back. Put one in the center of the chest and the other in the center of the back.
Refer to your AED’s manual for detailed instructions on electrode pad placement. If the manual isn’t available, most pads have diagrams. They show the correct positioning of the patient’s body.
- Allow the AED to analyze the child’s heart rhythm.
- Deliver a shock (if needed): If the AED finds a cardiac arrest and needs to shock, ensure everyone stands clear while it shocks.
- Perform CPR and re-analyze. AEDs follow American Heart Association guidelines. They recommend two minutes of CPR between rhythm analyses. Always adhere to the device’s instructions.
- Keep following the AED’s prompts until responders arrive to take control.
If the AED finds no shockable rhythm, continue CPR until the paramedics arrive.
When to use an AED?
Refer to your AED’s user manual for detailed usage instructions. AEDs are typically designed for unresponsive individuals who are not breathing normally.
Determining whether someone is breathing correctly can be challenging for non-medical responders. Learn more about recognizing the signs of irregular or absent breathing.
AEDs use advanced technology to assess a patient’s heart rhythm. This is after applying the electrode pads. They deliver shocks only when they detect a cardiac arrest. So, they are safe and easy for anyone with minimal training to use.
Can you use an AED on a pregnant person?
Maternal cardiac arrest is a major concern in the U.S. It occurs when a pregnant woman has a sudden cardiac arrest. Despite misconceptions, pregnant women should receive the same life-saving measures as anyone else. This includes high-quality CPR and AED shocks. Resuscitation protocols for pregnant individuals are primarily unchanged. They stress the need for quick action to save both lives.
Defibrillation is safe for pregnant individuals. It poses no risk to the parent or fetus. In cases of maternal cardiac arrest, responders should call 911. Then, ensure the person is lying on their back. Check for breathing. If there is none, begin CPR: 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Using an AED to restart the heart is essential. Then, continue CPR until medical professionals arrive.
FAQs
Can you use an AED on someone with a pacemaker?
You can use an AED on someone with a pacemaker, but ensure the pads do not touch the device. This is usually simple—doctors implant pacemakers in the chest. AED pads go on the upper right and lower left rib cage. When used correctly, you should have a sense of assurance.
Can you use an AED in water?
It would be best not to use an AED on someone still in the water. First, get the person to dry land. Ensure you dry their chest and remove their shirt before applying the pads. Once the skin is dry, turn on the AED and follow the standard instructions for use.
Can I use an AED on a person who is submerged in water?
No, it would help if you did not use an AED on someone still in the water. The first step when treating a victim in cardiac arrest who has been submerged is to get them onto dry land. Once the person is out of the water, remove their shirt and ensure their skin is dry before applying the AED pads. Only then should you turn on the AED and follow the usual instructions.
How do I use an AED correctly in an emergency?
The first step with an AED is to assess the situation. Ensure the person is unresponsive and not breathing. Once this is confirmed, immediately call 911. Next, place the AED pads on the patient’s chest, making sure the skin is dry. Follow the AED’s voice prompts and allow the device to analyze the heart rhythm. If a shock is needed, the AED will instruct you to stand clear and deliver the shock.
What should I do if the person has a pacemaker?
If the person has a pacemaker, you can still use the AED. Yet, ensure that the AED pads do not contact the pacemaker. Since pacemakers are in the chest, place the pads on the upper right and lower left rib cage. Avoid the pacemaker area.
Conclusion
AEDs are essential in emergencies and simple to use. Bystanders can access a public AED without delay to help save a life. Always refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on how and when to use your device.
Many AEDs are for laypeople. They have voice prompts that guide users through the rescue. These devices deliver shocks only when programmed to do so. This ensures safety for non-medical users with minimal training. The FDA’s quality standards ensure that AEDs are easy to use.
