Automated External Defibrillation

1
Chapter 5

• Automated External Defibrillation

2
Public Access Defibrillation

• Approximately 250,000 people die annually from
  sudden cardiac death.
• CPR and defibrillation improve chance for
  survival.
• Defibrillation can be provided by rescuers
  trained to use automated external defibrillators
  (AEDs).
• Public access defibrillation (PAD) laws

3
The Chain of Survival

• Early access
• Early CPR
• Early defibrillation
• Early advanced care

4
How the Heart Works

• Heart is a muscle
• Four chambers coordinate blood flow.
• Pacemaker cells emit electrical impulses heart
  muscle contracts
• Normal sinus rhythm

5
When Normal Electrical Activity Is Interrupted (1
of 2)

• Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)
• The most common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of
  sudden cardiac arrest in adults
• Chaotic electrical activity that causes loss of
  circulation

6
When Normal Electrical Activity Is Interrupted (2
of 2)

• Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)
• Very rapid electrical activity
• Heart may be unable to pump blood effectively

7
Care for Cardiac Arrest

• CPR must be started 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,
  victims chance for survival decreases by 7 to
  10.
• CPR is initial care until defibrillator is
  available.

8
About AEDs (1 of 2)

• Electronic device that
• Analyzes the heart rhythm
• Determines and advises need to shock
• Delivers electrical shock to the victim in
  cardiac arrest
• Reestablishes a heart rhythm that will generate a
  pulse

9
About AEDs (2 of 2)

• Common elements
• On/off button
• Cable and pads (electrodes)
• Analysis capability
• Defibrillation capability
• Prompts to guide you
• Battery operation for portability

10
Using an AED (1 of 2)

• Turn the unit on.
• Apply AED pads to bare chest and the cable to the
  AED.

11
Using an AED (2 of 2)

• Stand clear and analyze the heart rhythm.
• Deliver a shock if indicated.
• Perform CPR for 2 minutes (five cycles).
• Check victim and repeat analysis, shock, and CPR
  steps as needed.

12
Special Considerations (1 of 2)

• Water
• Remove victim from water
• Dry victims chest
• Children
• Medication patches
• Remove patches and wipe skin

13
Special Considerations (2 of 2)

• Implanted devices
• Pacemakers and defibrillators
• Avoid placing electrode pads over devices.

14
AED Maintenance

• Preventive maintenance checks are recommended by
  manufacturers.
• The AED will automatically perform periodic
  self-tests, but it should be checked daily to
  ensure proper operation.
• Check expiration and replacement dates on
  electrode pads and batteries.