What to Know Before Using Automated External Defibrillator

Ventricular fibrillation is characterised by disorganised electrical activity in the heart's main pumping chambers and is a common cause of cardiac arrest. Fortunately, there is a device available for its treatment. It is called AED or Automated External Defibrillator.

It detects ventricular fibrillation and other dysrhythmias. It administers the appropriate electric shock known as an AED. This device is nearly perfect and won't let you make a mistake. Anyone can make use of it.

For further information, read through this article to learn more about AED.

What is Defibrillation?

Defibrillation is a life-saving treatment for cardiac arrest. It is used to restore the heart's normal rhythm in ventricular fibrillation. To add, it is the delivery of an electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to stop the chaotic electrical activity of ventricular fibrillation.

What Are The Requirements for Using AED?

To use an AED, one must be trained and certified. Training may be done either on the job or through an in-house or off-site training program. The course requires completing an application form, a fee, a background check, and an instructional system.

Furthermore, AED must be a current model that meets the latest ASTM standard for automated external defibrillators (AED) and the latest Canadian standard for AEDs. The device must be tested monthly to ensure proper operation, including battery charge and the device defibrillation capability.

AED Treats What Medical Conditions?

AED is used to treat a heartbeat that has become dangerously fast, irregular, or stopping. 

This device treats cardiac arrests caused by ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and pulseless electrical activity.

It also treats persistent ventricular tachycardia in the presence of a functioning automatic

implantable cardiac defibrillator. 

How to Use AED?

The goal of AED treatment is to restore a normal heartbeat as fast as possible. However, in most cases, there is not enough time to contact 911. You must know how to use an AED to save the life of a person who is in cardiac arrest.

Step 1: Check for a Shockable Rhythm

Check for a shockable rhythm by pressing the red button. The device will tell you if the rhythm is shockable or not. If the rhythm is shockable, the AED will give the command to "Shock" or "Continue." In the case of a rhythm that is not shockable, the AED will command "No Shock."

Step 2: Deliver an Electrical Shock

Press the " Shock " button. Do this once you've determined the rhythm is shockable. The AED will deliver an electrical shock to the chest. If the device shows "Defibrillation", you can stop CPR and continue to monitor the person.

If the device shows "Continue CPR", then resume CPR.

Step 3: Check the Heart Rhythm

Check the rhythm after the shock. You should see a normal sinus rhythm (heartbeat without irregularities). If the heart rate is still too fast, use the AED again. If the heart rate is average, monitor the person.

Conclusion

CPR is not always effective in saving a life. AED is a great help because it increases the chance of survival. When the first AEDs were put on the market, they were costly and were only in hospitals and medical centres. 

Now, they are very affordable and can be used in many places. It is essential to know how to use an AED to save a life.

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