What if the victim has a medication patch on or EKG electrodes on the chest where I want to place the electrode pads? Basic precautions, such as verbally warning others to stand clear and visually checking the area before and during the shock, can ensure the safety of rescuers. The electric shock is programmed to go from one electrode pad to another through the victim’s chest. To date there has never been a case where someone was held liable for using an AED.Ĭan I accidentally shock another rescuer or myself?ĪEDs are extremely safe when used properly. CPR also makes the heart more likely to respond to defibrillation. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of heart muscle. If defibrillation is so important, why should I do CPR?ĬPR provides some circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the victim’s heart and brain. Once the AED is present, apply the electrode pads to the victim’s bare chest and follow the AED’s voice prompts and messages. Should I perform CPR first or apply electrode pads from the AED? The most difficult part is recognizing the need for defibrillation. Most AED’s will provide visual and audio prompts to guide you through the entire resuscitation process. The steps for shocking an SCA victim are simple and straightforward. What if I forget the steps for using an AED? The AED makes shock delivery decisions based upon the victim’s heart rhythm, and will only defibrillate a shockable rhythm. When used on people who are unresponsive and not breathing, the AED is extremely safe. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can defibrillate the heart.Īn AED ( automated external defibrillator) is a device that analyses and looks for shockable heart rhythms, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation, and delivers a shock if needed. This current helps the heart reorganize the electrical activity so it can pump blood again. The electrical current passes through the heart with the goal of stopping the VF and providing an opportunity for the heart’s normal electrical system to take control. Defibrillation is an electrical current applied to the chest. The only effective treatment for VF is an electrical shock called defibrillation. VF is short lived and will deteriorate to asystole (a flat line) if not treated promptly. VF is chaotic and unorganized the heart quivers and cannot effectively pump blood. This rhythm is caused by abnormal and very fast electrical activity in the heart. VF is an abnormal heart rhythm often seen in SCA. While the average age of SCA victims is about 65, SCA is unpredictable and can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. SCA results in death if not treated immediately. However, SCA may occur independently from a heart attack and without warning signs. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes will lead to SCA. Heart attack victims usually (but not always) experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. A heart attack is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, resulting in the death of the heart muscle. This is usually caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) simply means that the heart unexpectedly and abruptly quits beating. CPR combined with defibrillation will greatly improve the chance of survival. We know that in some instances it can take ambulances up to 15 minutes to arrive to their destination. There is good evidence that the early use of an AED has a far more beneficial outcome for the casualty than if that intervention is delayed. It is a sensible move as AED’s are now available within many workplaces and public spaces. This will come into effect from December 2016. The change in Resuscitation UK Guidelines last October means that from December 2016 all workplace first aiders will need to be trained in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
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