Automated External Defibrillator

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Automated External Defibrillator

• AED

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When the Heart Stops

• Two most common abnormal rhythms
• Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib)
• Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach)

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V-Fib

• A state of totally disorganized electrical
  activity in the heart
• It results in fibrillation or quivering of the
  ventricles
• Cannot pump blood and there is no movement,
  breathing or pulse.

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V-Tach

• A very rapid contraction of the ventricles
• The rate is so fast the heart cannot pump blood
  properly
• There is no movement, breathing or pulse

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Defibrillation

• Delivering an electrical shock with an AED
  disrupts the electrical activity of V-fib or
  V-tach so the heart will start on its own.
• If V-fib or V-tach is not interrupted, all
  electrical activity will cease. This is known as
  ASYSTOLE.

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REMEMBER

• CPR started immediately and continued until
  defibrillation, helps maintain a low level of
  circulation delivering oxygen to the brain.

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CARDIAC CHAIN OF SURVIVAL

1. Early Recognition
2. Early CPR
3. Early Defibrillation
4. Early Advanced Medical Car

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Using an AED - Adult

• Should be used as soon as possible.
• If the AED advises shock, responder should be
  ready to do CPR for about 2 minutes (5cycles of
  30 compressions, 2 breaths)

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Using an AED - Adult

• If you notice signs of life
• Stop CPR and monitor airway, breathing and
  circulation.

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Using and AED - Child

• Rare but does happen. Most cardiac arrests in
  children are not sudden.
• Possible causes of cardiac arrest in children
  are
• Airway and breathing problems
• Traumatic injuries
• A hard blow to the chest
• Congenital Heart Disease

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Using and AED - Child

• Use pediatric pads that deliver a smaller shock
  (55 pounds and smaller)
• If not available, use the adult pads
• Follow the same general steps a precautions you
  would with an adult

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AED Precautions

• Do not touch the victim while defibrillating
• Make sure no one is in contact with victim or
  equipment when defibrillating
• DO not touch the victim while the AED is
  analyzing.
• Do not use alcohol to wipe a victims chest
  alcohol is flammable

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AED Precautions

• Do not defibrillate someone around gasoline.
• Do not use an AED in a moving vehicle. Movement
  affects the analysis
• Do not use on a victim who has contact with
  water. Move victim from puddles or pools and out
  the rain.

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AED Precautions

• Do not use a mobile phone or radio within 6 feet
  of the AED. This may interrupt the analysis.
• Remove nitroglycerin patch with a gloved hand
  before attaching the AED.

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Special Situations - Water

• Remove victim from water.
• Remove wet clothing for pad placement
• Dry the victims chest
• Shelter from the rain

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Special Situations Implantable Devices

• Located below the right or left collarbone.
  Small clump under the skin.
• Do not place pads over the device. Adjust pad
  placement and continue the protocol.
• If you are not sure, use the AED. It will not
  harm the victim

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Special Situations - Hypothermia

• Takes longer to do the check.
• Check for movement, breathing and pulse for 30 to
  45 seconds.
• Use the AED and CPR when indicated.
• Protect the victim from further heat loss

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Special Situations - Trauma

• Use the AED.
• Defibrillation should be administered if
  indicated.

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Special Situations Chest hair

• If you get a check pads message, remove the pads
  and replace. The pads may pull out some of the
  hair and it may solve the problem.
• If you still get the message, shave the victim s
  chest.
• A safety razor is included in the AED kit.
• Try not to cut the victim

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AED Skill sheet

• Complete the initial assessment
• Turn on the AED
• Wipe the chest dry
• Attach the pads (Plug the connector if necessary)
• Analyze
• Shock
• Give 5 cycles of CPR