If you're wondering what an AED is – and why they seem to be located in most offices and public buildings, you're not alone. In fact, because these devices are now commonly available, more people than ever before are curious about them. So – just what is an AED?
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AED stands for automated external defibrillator.
AEDs are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
The device is designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions on how to use it in case of an emergency. It's important for everyone to be aware of what an AED is and how to use it, as it could make a difference in saving someone's life.
Courses through the Red Cross will train you on the proper AED steps, so you can ensure you’re using an AED the right way. To refresh your skills after becoming AED certified, you can come back and review this 7 steps of using an AED guide.
Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, more than 350,000 people will suffer a cardiac arrest this year. Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an AED.
Of course, you can – and should – request the assistance of trained medical professionals. However, because the average response time for first responders once 911 is called is 8-12 minutes, and for each minute defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10%, having access to and AED and knowing how to use one, is critical.
At the Red Cross, you can choose the type of class for your schedule – and the way you learn best. For those who want to become certified in CPR/AED, you can choose from three types of courses, including:
Typical topics covered in Red Cross AED classes include:
We have courses geared towards CPR and AED use for infants, children, and adults. In our Adult Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED course, additional topics may include:
Having an AED on site can make a significant difference in emergencies and could potentially save lives. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, which is why having AEDs readily available in public places is so important. If you are looking to purchase an AED for your workplace, the Red Cross offers exclusive deals. Learn more about our total AED purchasing and training solution or contact us to acquire this life-saving device for your business.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save over 1,700 lives in the United States every year. However, many Americans do not currently know where to locate AEDs or how to use them. At Avive, we see room for improvement to save thousands more lives annually.
AEDs are medical devices that send electric pulses to a person's heart, restoring a normal heart beat. AEDs are the only way to restore a normal heartbeat when someone is experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
Knowing where to find and how to use an AED is vitally important. But some patients with irregular heartbeats, or in certain circumstances, should never be treated with an AED. Knowing when to use an AED and when not to use one is an equally essential skill in saving a life.
You should only use an AED on a person if:
If you encounter someone with these symptoms, call 911, designate someone to search for a defibrillator, and immediately begin CPR. It is important to acknowledge that over 80% of SCAs cases occur in the home, which underscores the importance of having an emergency action plan in place.
There are various special circumstances that require extra care when determining if and how to use an AED. All AED units have their own intended use statements, so we recommend all AED owners review their unit's requirements.
If the person is conscious and breathing normally, they do not require an AED shock.
Generally speaking, an AED should be used when a person is unconscious (not responsive) and not breathing properly. It is important to know that sometimes victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in this state may demonstrate agonal breathing for seconds to minutes after their heart has stopped beating. Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing. It is crucial that you do not mistake agonal breathing for real breathing. Agonal respirations can sound like gasping, snorting, strange, shallow half-breaths, or possibly moaning. A person experiencing agonal breathing may also show signs of twitching muscles. When a person is not responsive and breathing agonally, an AED should be used.
If you notice a bracelet or a tattoo on the victim’s chest, wrist or forearm saying, “Do Not Resuscitate” or “DNR”, do not use an AED on them. The DNR order indicates that the person does not want resuscitation. It is best that you respect their wishes.
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If your AED has faulty parts it may not be functional. If you're stuck with a non-functional AED during an emergency, search for another one nearby.
While pacemakers are designed to handle shocks from an AED, you should not use a defibrillator over the skin where surgeons installed the pacemaker.
A pacemaker can usually be seen or palpated under the skin, in the upper part of the person's chest. Ensure you follow any instructions for responding to victims with a pacemaker found in your AED’s user manual and place the AED pads where indicated.
Do not place AED pads over medical patches. Remove them first.
SCA can happen at any time, including when a person is in or near a body of water, or in the rain or snow. In wet conditions, AEDs can be dangerous to use, causing harm to the victim or the person providing the care. Since AEDs deliver an electrical shock, you must take specific care when treating the cardiac arrest victim.
Never use an AED while submerged in water. Always move someone submerged in water to dry land before delivering an AED shock. You cannot apply the AED pads, which deliver the necessary electrical shock to the victim’s chest, until the shirt has been removed and the skin dried thoroughly. Once the person’s skin is dry, power on the AED and follow its instructions the same way you would during a normal response.
AED pads need direct contact with the patient’s skin in order to work properly. If the person has a very hairy chest, it may be necessary to remove some hair so the electrode pads will adhere properly to the person’s skin. Many defibrillator kits include a razor to quickly shave the victim’s chest. If you cannot find a razor, apply pressure to place the pads as close to their chest as you can.
The main difference between Sudden Cardiac Arrest and heart attack is the underlying problem that occurs in the heart.
If the patient is having a heart attack they will be breathing and conscious, in these cases an AED is not needed to restart the heart. Victims of cardiac arrest, however, will suddenly become unconscious and collapse. They will be unresponsive and not breathing or breathing agonally (abnormally). Unlike cardiac arrest, which always happens suddenly, a heart attack can be sudden or may develop over time.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
If someone is experiencing a heart attack, immediately call 911.
AED pads come in multiple sizes, infant and adult. Ensure you use the appropriate pads for the size (age or weight) of the victim. Your AED’s user manual will disclose when to use adult pads and when to use child pads, as well as any other special circumstances that might exist.
Learn more about how to resuscitate infants and children.
When using an AED on someone suffering from SCA, keep the following in mind:
Always check your AED manufacturer’s user manual for specific safety and operational and maintenance instructions pertaining to your AED unit.
During cardiac arrest, a person's chances of survival drop by 10% per minute, so it is critical that you quickly decide when to use an AED and determine where it is located.
Here are a few critical questions that you must ask yourself in order to make a quick decision:
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