AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a
sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an
electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

▣ Indications and importance

◼ Early defibrillation is critical for victims of sudden cardiac arrest because:
� The most frequent rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation (VF).
� The most effective treatment for VF is defibrillation.
� Defibrillation is most likely to be successful if it occurs within minutes of collapse (cardiac arrest)
� Defibrillation may be ineffective if it is delayed.
� VF deteriorates to asystole if not treated.
▣ SEVERAL FACTORS CAN AFFECT AED ANALYSIS:
◼ Patient movement (eg: agonal gasp)
◼ Repositioning the patient.
▣ USE AED ONLY WHEN VICTIM HAVE THE FOLLOWING 3 CLINICAL FINDINGS:
◼ No response
◼ No breathing
◼ No pulse
▣ NOTE: Defibrillation is also indicated for pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)
AED Steps

Automated external defibrillators can help save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. However, even after training, remembering the
steps to use an AED the right way can be difficult. In order to help keep your skills sharp, we've created a quick step-by-step guide that you
can print up and place on your refrigerator, in your car, in your bag or at your desk. This way, you can review the AED steps any time, at
your convenience, and keep them fresh in your memory.

Before Using the AED

These AED steps should be used when caring for a non-breathing child aged 8 or older who weighs more than 55 pounds, or
an adult.

After checking the scene and ensuring that the person needs help, you should ask a bystander to call 911 for help, then:
1. Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts.
2. Open the person's shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry. If the person is wearing any medication patches, you should use a
gloved (if possible) hand to remove the patches before wiping the person's chest.
3. Attach the AED pads, and plug in the connector (if necessary).
4. Make sure no one is, including you, is touching the person. Tell everyone to "stand clear."
5. Push the "analyze" button (if necessary) and allow the AED to analyze the person's heart rhythm.
6. If the AED recommends that you deliver a shock to the person, make sure that no one, including you, is touching the person – and
tell everyone to "stand clear." Once clear, press the "shock" button.
7. Begin CPR after delivering the shock. Or, if no shock is advised, begin CPR. Perform 2 minutes (about 5 cycles) of CPR and
continue to follow the AED's prompts. If you notice obvious signs of life, discontinue CPR and monitor breathing for any changes
in condition.

HOW DOES DEFIBRILLATOR WORK?

1. A brief high voltage electrical shock.

2. Through the heart between pads on the chest
3. Shock briefly stops electrical heart activity.
4. May restart beating with a normal rhythm.
 5. But not everyone can be saved, even with defibrillation.

AED PROCEDURES

1. BLS until AED is available

2. Diagnose cardiac arrest
◼ Unresponsive
◼ Not breathing normally
3. Go for or send someone for AED
◼ 30 compressions
◼ 2 rescue breaths
◼ Continue 30:2
◼ CC + RB = “CPR”

ATTACH AED
1. Power on
2. Follow voice prompts
3. Expose chest
4. Attach pads in victim’s bare chest
5. Keep following voice prompts
6. Clear the victim and press analyze button

GIVING A SHOCK
1. Be sure no one is touching the victim
2. Press Shock button if instructed
3. Resume CPR immediately after giving 1 shock
4. Follow voice prompts
5. Record events