What is an AED?
Automated External Defibrillator: The Basics
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What are AEDs?
An AED or Automated External Defibrillator is a portable medical device designed to analyze heart rhythms and deliver a shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm. It is used during sudden cardiac arrest to save a person's life. AEDs are commonly found in public places such as schools, airports, and sports facilities. These devices are designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate, even for people without medical training. AEDs play a crucial role in increasing the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest victims.
What are the steps to using an AED?
The following are the general steps for using an AED:
- Turn on the AED: Most AEDs turn on automatically when the lid is opened or when the device is turned on manually.
- Expose the chest: Remove any clothing covering the person's chest and dry the chest if it is wet.
- Attach the pads: Attach the sticky pads to the person's chest. Follow the AED's instructions to ensure proper placement of the pads.
- Clear the area: Make sure that no one is touching the person or the equipment. If the AED advises a shock, it will send a powerful electrical shock to the heart that can be dangerous to anyone touching the person.
- Analyze the heart rhythm: The AED will automatically analyze the person's heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. If a shock is not advised, the AED will instruct you to continue with CPR until emergency medical services arrive.
- Deliver the shock: If the AED advises a shock, stand clear of the person and press the "shock" button. The AED will deliver the shock to the person's heart through the pads.
- Resume CPR: After the shock is delivered, immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. Continue CPR until emergency medical services arrive or until the person begins to show signs of life.
When is an AED used?
An AED or Automated External Defibrillator should be used when a person is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart stops beating unexpectedly, and it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. During an SCA, the heart goes into a chaotic rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF), which can be corrected by an electrical shock from an AED. The use of an AED within the first few minutes of an SCA can increase the survival rate of the person by up to 70%. Therefore, AEDs are often found in public places such as airports, schools, and sports facilities. It's essential to note that AEDs are safe and easy to use, even for individuals with no medical training. Knowing when to use an AED can make a significant difference in saving someone's life during an SCA.
AED vs Defibrillator
An AED or Automated External Defibrillator and a defibrillator are two types of medical devices used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Both devices deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. However, there are some differences between the two devices.
AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and are commonly found in public places such as schools, airports, and sports facilities. AEDs are portable, lightweight, and easy to operate, even for individuals with no medical training. They have step-by-step voice and visual prompts that guide the user through the process of using the device.
On the other hand, defibrillators are typically used in hospitals, ambulances, and other medical settings. They require medical training and expertise to operate, and they are more complex and expensive than AEDs. Defibrillators can be external or internal, and they are used to treat various heart conditions.