Using an AED

When the heart “suddenly” fails Heart has an electrical system Signal sent through the upper chambers (atria) Continues through lower chambers (ventricles) This signal causes the muscle to contract and relax at a regular rhythm

Damage hearts can have a faulty electrical system Abnormal heart rhythms that can stop the circulation of blood If circulation is disrupted it will eventually make it back to the heart muscle and when that fails the heart stops

Types of Rhythms

This is a rhythm you can shock Types of Rhythms This is a rhythm you can shock

If the heart suddenly stops… The victim will most likely collapse, become unconscious and stop breathing 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.

During sudden heart stop – don’t forget to call 911 FIRST! If you do nothing else… During sudden heart stop – don’t forget to call 911 FIRST!

Using an AED Don’t stop CPR until you are ready to apply the AED AED can be used as soon as it’s available: Don’t stop CPR until you are ready to apply the AED Follow the prompts on the machine I’m clear – you’re clear – we’re all clear

Precautions for an AED… Do not use alcohol to wipe the person’s chest dry – It’s flammable 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 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. Don’t touch the person while analyzing or shocking

Precautions for an AED… Do not defribullate around flammable items Do not use in a moving vehicle Do not use on a person that is wet or in contact with water. Do not put the AED Pad on top of a nitroglycerin patch or other medical patch. Pacemakers do not typically present any problems with using an AED

How to use the AED 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 Press the shock button Continue CPR

Water Special Situations Remove the victim from the water Dry them off Make sure you are not wet or in any water on the ground Avoid getting the unit or the pads overly wet. – Rain won’t make a huge difference as long as it’s not a monsoon!

Pacemakers Special Situations Usually located below the left collar bone and don’t present a problem with pad placement Do not put a pad in contact with the pacemaker If unsure about a pacemaker, shock anyway – usually won’t make a difference.

Pacemakers Special Situations Usually located below the left collar bone and don’t present a problem with pad placement Do not put a pad in contact with the pacemaker If unsure about a pacemaker, shock anyway – usually won’t make a difference.

Medical Patches Special Situations Remove the patch – be sure you are wearing gloves, you can receive the medication if you get it on your skin

Hypothermia Special Situations Be sure the victim is dry (as much as possible) Never withhold CPR or AED use while trying to re-warm someone

Chest Hair Special Situations Excessive chest hair may interfere with the machine Use a set of pads on the chest hair – press down hard then rip them off and remove some of the hair Some AED kits have a safety razor to remove hair also