Ventricular fibrillation, caused by disorganized electrical activity in the main pumping chambers of the heart, is a common cause of cardiac arrest. The treatment for ventricular fibrillation is defibrillation or the delivery of an electric shock to the heart through the person’s chest wall. This shock attempts to stop the disorganized electrical activity and allow the heart’s normal rhythm to resume.
The automated external defibrillator [AED] is a device that recognizes ventricular fibrillation and other dysrhythmias and delivers an electric shock at the right time. The AED has become a common sight in public buildings. The AED is nearly foolproof and will not allow you to make a mistake. It is safe for anyone to use. In a witnessed cardiac arrest, where the person is observed to suddenly collapse, the most common cause is likely to be ventricular fibrillation and a defibrillator should analyze the person’s cardiac rhythm as soon as possible.
Using the team concept, one rescuer should coordinate all available rescuers so that one rescuer performs chest compressions while the second rescuer prepares the AED for use. Although there are many different brands of AEDs, all are utilized in a similar way. Be sure to move the person and yourself to a safe place before using the AED. Electricity and water can be lethal when combined. Ensure that the person is not wet [quickly wipe dry] or in close proximity to water before using the AED. It is safe to use an AED if the person is lying in the snow. If the person has an implanted device, such as a pacemaker, you will see a bulge over their chest. Place the defibrillator pads as close to the correct position as possible without being directly over the device. For persons with medication patches, remove the patch, wipe the skin dry, and apply the AED pad.
Automated External Defibrillators [AEDs] are easy to use but there are a few factors to consider when using one. One of those factors is water.
If a person is fully submerged in a pool, lake, ocean, or another body of water, they need to be removed from the water. You cannot place the AED pads and use the AED if a person is completely under water.
AED & Pad Placement
If a person has just come out of the water when they collapse or is in a small puddle or snow, you CAN use the Lifeline VIEW AED. The person does NOT need to be completely dry. When using an AED on someone who does have water on them, it is important that you dry off the area where the pads are going to be placed. It is crucial for the pads to stick firmly to the body so the AED can start analyzing immediately and determine if a shock is needed or not.
Remember, your AED should have a Rescue Kit with it. The Rescue Kit should include a CPR Mask, a razor, scissors, wipes, and gloves. You can use the wipes to dry off the area where the pads are going to be placed.
As always, the quicker the AED is used, the higher the chances of survival. When dealing with water, quickly dry off the area where the pads will be placed so you can deliver a shock as soon as possible!
To learn more about Defibtech and to join us on our quest to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, visit www.Defibtech.com.
Automated External Defibrillators help save lives! They are meant for anyone to use them. There are a few things you should consider when using an AED.
All AEDs should have a rescue kit with them. The rescue kit will include a CPR mask, a razor, scissors, wipes, and gloves. Here is why you might need to use each item:
CPR Mask – With the huge emphasis on compression only or “hands only” CPR, many people are not comfortable putting their mouth on another person’s mouth to give rescue breaths without a barrier device. A CPR mask is a way you can safely provide rescue breaths without human to human contact.
Razor – If the patient has a very hairy chest, you will want to use the razor to touch up the area where the pads are being placed. It is crucial that the pads are stuck firmly to the chest and excess hair can prevent that from happening.
Scissors – The pads need to be placed on bare skin. Scissors can be used to cut the shirt off of a person to bare the chest. They can also be used to cut the bra being worn by a female patient. Using scissors to remove the clothing will allow you to use the AED as quickly as possible.
Wipes – These can be used to wipe down the area where the pads will be placed. As previously mentioned, it is very important there is nothing on the body preventing the pads from sticking. If the person is sweating, use the wipes to remove the sweat in the area where the pads will be placed.
Gloves – Gloves are for your personal protection.
Other Scenarios To Consider When Using an AED:
Water – If a person is under water, they need to be removed from the water. The person DOES NOT need to be completely dry. If they are in a small puddle or in a small pile of snow, they do not need to be moved.
Pacemakers and Implanted Defibrillators – Someone with an internal device still can be shocked with an AED. In fact, if their internal device does not save them immediately, it is crucial an AED is used as quickly as possible. It is important to remember, do not place the pads directly over the metal. You will notice a scar and a small bump in the chest where one of these devices is placed. If the device is in the location where the pad is placed, put the pad below or to the side of it.
Medicine Patch – While wearing gloves, remove the medicine patch and wipe down the area before placing the pads.
Jewelry – You DO NOT need to remove jewelry. It will not interfere with the AED.
Tattoos – Tattoos WILL NOT interfere with the AED.
Using AEDs on Children – There are AED pads made specifically for children, but you might not see them as commonly as you see adult pads. Child pads are made for anyone under the age of 8. If you do not have child pads, but need to shock a child, use the adult pads. Place one pad in the center of the chest and one pad in the center of the back between the shoulder blades when using adult pads on a child.
Using AEDs on Pregnant Women – It is crucial to the woman and the baby’s life that an AED is used as quickly as possible.
Although these are some factors to consider when using an AED, it is always most important to remember that the work you are doing is helping the person. If you have any thoughts that a person might need to be shocked by an AED, turn the machine on, place the pads, and let the machine make the decision.
To learn more about Defibtech and to join us on our quest to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, visit www.Defibtech.com