An AED is a piece of medical equipment that shocks a person’s heart back into a normal rhythm when he is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It is often the first aid treatment that a person receives and can increase the chance of survival. The AED is an important piece of medical equipment for home use, as it is easy to operate and can be used by anyone in the community.
An AED is very easy to operate and can analyze the victim’s condition automatically. Most AEDs have visual displays and spoken prompts. In order to operate the external AED, an operator has to apply electrode pads on the victim’s chest. In the case of internal defibrillators, the electrodes are surgically implanted inside the patient’s body. It is important to know the difference between the two types.
After a patient has a pulse, the AED instructs the user to connect electrodes to the patient’s chest. The electrodes allow the AED to assess the electrical output of the heart and determine whether or not the patient is in a shockable rhythm. Once the heart beats, the AED charges its internal capacitor, which allows it to deliver electric current more quickly. This process is called CPR, and is crucial for the life-saving efforts of a patient in need of assistance.
During a CPR, the AED operator must identify special situations in order to use the AED safely. The list of special situations includes victims who are under the age of eight years, people who weigh more than 25 kilograms, and those with pacemakers or ICDs. An AED operator should avoid applying the device to a victim who is lying on his or her back or on a metal surface, because metal surfaces pose a safety hazard.
After a patient has received a shock from an AED, the user must press the “shock” button. The AED will then tell the user when to deliver the shock. The user should also continue to perform CPR for a minimum of two minutes. If the pulse is not restored within two minutes, the AED will give a warning to the emergency services. The AED must be activated for the victim to receive a shock.
The AED should be kept in a location where trained responders can reach it quickly. It is essential to keep an AED in a public place because a child’s heart is more sensitive than an adult’s. AEDs must be placed on a high-trafficked area for the same reason as a person’s life. A defibrillator should be placed in a position where the person can reach it.
The AED should be used on an unresponsive victim who is not breathing or is not responding to CPR. The device should be used only when the victim is unresponsive and is not breathing on their own. Having the AED nearby should help the medical team to reach the victim more quickly. It will also help in identifying a victim’s heart rhythm and provide the assistance necessary to save his life.
