1. Automated External Defibrillation

2. 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.

3. How the Heart Works Heart is a muscle. Four chambers store blood.
Pacemaker cells send electrical impulses; heart muscle contracts.
Normal sinus rhythm

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Special Considerations (2 of 2)
Implanted devices
Pacemakers and defibrillators
Avoid placing electrode pads over devices if possible.

13. AED Maintenance Preventive maintenance checks are recommended.
AED automatically performs periodic self-tests.
Check supplies, such as expiration dates on electrode pads and batteries.

14. AED Manufacturers
Devices and supplies are available from different manufacturers.
All devices function similarly.