All About Defibrillators – Do You Know How to Use One?

When the main pumping chambers of the heart experience a chaotic electrical activity, it results in ventricular fibrillation. The common cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is Ventricular fibrillation. Defibrillation, or the transmission of an electric shock to the heart through the patient’s chest wall, is the treatment for ventricular fibrillation. This shock aims to halt the chaotic electrical activity and restore the heart’s regular rhythm. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can detect ventricular fibrillation and other dysrhythmias. It detects sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and gives the electric shock at the right time.

An AED treats victims of SCA by administering a secure electric shock to their hearts and restoring a normal heart rhythm. The likelihood of survival for an SCA victim can be increased by taking online CPR lessons. Therefore, it is essential to learn and complete an online AED (defibrillators) CPR Certification course module to preserve lives and encourage the patient’s full recovery. Learn this life-saving technique today so you can use it when it counts. The American HealthCare Academy can help you become CPR AED-certified. Register as an individual or encourage your group of friends, family, or colleagues to take the group course. This skill, once learned, stays with you for a lifetime. Register today on the website.

What are AEDs?

AEDs are a particular type of computerized defibrillator that examines the heart rhythm of cardiac arrest sufferers automatically. When necessary, it shocks the heart electrically to return it to its regular rhythm. For the AED to detect and decipher a person’s heart rhythm and administer an electrical shock if necessary, it needs attachments like a battery and pad electrodes. There are two types of AEDs:

1. Semi-automated defibrillators: They examine the heart’s rhythm. If an abnormal rhythm is found that requires a shock, the device prompts the user to deliver a defibrillation shock by pressing a button.

2. Fully automated defibrillators: They examine the heart’s rhythm and if instructed by the device software, shock the patient with a defibrillation shock. They don’t require any user intervention.

How do defibrillators work?

The entire cardiovascular system is depolarized by the defibrillator. The heart will be given a “new start” to repolarize and resume its regular electrical activity as a result. The heart might not fully polarize again if the shock is not strong enough, which could result in the arrhythmia continuing. Defibrillators will then keep track of the new heartbeat, either by recommending another shock or making sure the patient doesn’t fall back into arrhythmia.

Where to find defibrillators?

Public access AEDs can be found in schools, airports, hospitals, community centers, government buildings, and other public locations. They are intended to be used by bystanders who have received minimal or no prior training in using an AED.

Professional use AEDs are mainly used by first responders like EMTs and paramedics. They have received additional AED training that allows them to use AED with total expertise. You can also become an expert at CPR AED by learning the right techniques from a training institute that offers either online or physical classes.

When should I use a defibrillator?

A bystander in a public setting or a family member can use an AED to shock a person experiencing ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. This way the victim can get back into a normal cardiac rhythm. Therefore, it is a good idea to take an AED (defibrillators) CPR Certification course and learn to use AED effectively.

After a sudden cardiac arrest, performing CPR on the victim can temporarily restore blood flow to the heart & brain. However, most of the time only defibrillation brings the heart’s rhythm back. CPR and AED together can raise the likelihood of survival.

How to use an AED?

1. Retrieve the AED case. Open it and switch it on.

2. Whether male or female, remove all the clothes from the chest. If wet, dry the chest. Remove any medication patches.

3. Open the AED pads. Peel off the backing. Check for an internal defibrillator or pacemaker.

4. Put one pad on the upper right chest, right above the breast. Put the second pad on the lower left chest, right below the armpit.

5. Ensure the wires are properly attached to the AED box

6. Stop giving CPR. Clear the victim. Tell the bystanders not to touch either you or the victim.

7. Let the AED analyze the rhythm. If the AED displays the message “Check Electrodes,” then ensure that electrodes make good contact with the skin.

9. If the AED displays the message “Shock,” press and hold the “shock” button until the AED delivers the shock.

10. Resume CPR for two minutes. Start with chest compressions.

Conclusion

The AED is now commonly seen in public places and buildings. It is virtually error-proof and won’t let you make an error. To gain confidence and the right knowledge about CPR and AED, learn both techniques in a single combo certification course offered by American HealthCare Academy. Get in touch with us at 1-888-277-7865.