How Does AED Help in Saving Lives? – Facts about AED

Welcome to American HealthCare Academy! In this blog, we will be discussing an important topic that can save lives – AED. We will dive deeper into the facts about automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and their importance in emergencies. So, let’s get started and learn more about this important tool that can help save lives.

AED is a device that is easy to handle and use by bystanders on victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Though it’s a good idea to train yourselves to use it effectively on the victim.

American HealthCare Academy offers an online combo course for learning CPR and AED together. You learn the latest CPR techniques along with the right usage and application of an AED device. This course is 100% online and taught by OSHA-certified instructors. It is flexible and comes with a money-back guarantee. Explore this course now!

What is the biggest advantage of an AED?

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. By having AED defibrillator devices available and accessible at public places like schools, airports, and stadiums, we increase the chances of saving lives in the critical moments after cardiac arrest.

Precautions to be taken with AED 

Here are some precautions to keep in mind when using an AED:

1. Check the surroundings

Before using an AED, make sure the area is safe and free from any water or metal. Water or metal can conduct electricity and create a hazardous situation for the rescuer and the person being treated.

2. Follow the instructions

AEDs come with detailed instructions that guide you through the steps of using them. Reading and following these instructions carefully is essential to ensure proper use.

3. Make sure the person is dry

If the person is wet, dry them off before attaching the AED pads. Moisture can interfere with the electrical signals that the AED uses to analyze the heart rhythm.

4. Do not touch the person during analysis

Once the AED pads are attached, do not touch the person while the machine is analyzing their heart rhythm. This can interfere with the accuracy of the analysis.

5. Stand clear during shocks

If the AED determines that a shock is needed, make sure that everyone, including yourself, is standing clear of the person before administering the shock.

6. Keep the AED maintained

AEDs need to be properly maintained to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Make sure to regularly check the battery life and expiration dates of the pads, and replace them as needed.

Main parts of an AED

Here are the main parts of an AED:

1. Pads

AED pads are sticky patches that attach to the chest of the person in cardiac arrest. The pads deliver an electric shock to the heart and also allow the machine to analyze the heart rhythm.

2. Control Panel

The control panel is where you will find the buttons and display screen that provides information and guide you through the process of using the AED. The panel may also have an audio prompt feature to provide voice instructions.

3. Battery

The battery provides power to the AED and needs to be charged or replaced periodically to ensure that the machine is ready for use.

4. Electrodes

Electrodes are metal wires that connect the pads to the AED and are responsible for delivering the electric shock to the heart.

5. Speaker

The speaker provides audio instructions to guide you through the process of using the AED.

6. On/Off button

The on/off button is used to turn the AED on and off.

7. Shock button

The shock button is used to deliver an electric shock to the heart if the machine determines it is needed.

3 Important Facts About AED

Here are three important facts about AED:

1. 1. AEDs can save lives. Using AED on a cardiac arrest victim within the first three minutes of suffering the attack  can increase survival rates by over 80%.

1. AEDs are designed to be safe to use. They deliver a shock only if they detect a specific type of heart rhythm that is responsive to defibrillation.

3. AEDs should be used in conjunction with CPR. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) helps to maintain blood flow and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs while the AED is being used to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. Together, CPR and AED can greatly increase the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AEDs are a critical tool in saving lives in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. These portable devices are designed to be easy to use and can deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. Learn their proper usage from American HealthCare Academy’s CPR/AED combo course.

Having AEDs available and accessible in public places can greatly increase the chances of survival in the critical moments after cardiac arrest. By understanding the importance of AEDs and knowing how to use them effectively, we can all play a part in helping to save lives in emergencies.