ACLS Course

Our online ACLS certification course includes understanding the physiology of the heart, an overview of BLS and ACLS, ACLS Pharmacology, and AED training. Read More The course is best suited for healthcare/medical professionals. It has 2 years validity. A group of 5 or more can take advantage of group discounts. Read Less

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Chapters	CE Credits	Validity	Cost	Duration	ECC	Exam Attempts	Wallet Card
17	4.0-8.0	2 Years	$119.00	3-4 Hrs	Compliant	Unlimited	Download/Print/Mail

Chapters	17
CE Credits	4.0-8.0
Validity	2 Years
Cost	$119.00
Duration	3-4 Hrs
ECC	Compliant
Exam Attempts	Unlimited
Wallet Card	Download/Print/Mail

Chapter 7: Early Defibrillation And Using An AED

Defibrillation may be the only treatment to restore normal heart activity and save someone’s life if they go into cardiac arrest. The AED has built-in voice prompts to guide the user in a simple and clear manner. Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) and pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) are examples of fatal and irregular rhythms that can be corrected by the use of an AED. These are discussed in the next chapter.

Early Defibrillation And Using An AED Video:

BLS survey is used for all cardiac arrest patients:

STEPS	ASSESSMENT	TECHNIQUE/ACTION
1	Check for response	Tap and ask, “Are you all right?” Look for breathing by checking for movement of chest (5 to 10 seconds)
2	Activate the emergency response system and get AED	Activate the emergency response system (Call 911) and ask someone to get the AED if help is available
3	Circulation	Check carotid pulse (maximum of 10 seconds) If no pulse start CPR with 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths START WITH COMPRESSIONS FIRST! 100 – 120 compressions per minute Depth of 2 inches If there is a pulse, start rescue breathing at 1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds
4	Defibrillation	Check for shockable rhythm with AED Hook up the pads to the patients bare chest Give shock when needed – follow instructions on the AED After shock start CPR again beginning with chest compressions

Why is Defibrillation Important?

In a situation where the patient is in cardiac arrest and the rhythm is VF or pulseless VT, defibrillation is the only treatment. Defibrillation stops the arrhythmias from continuing and assists in obtaining normal heart rhythm. ALWAYS REMEMBER DEFIBRILLATION DOES NOT RESTART THE HEART! It “shocks” the heart with electrical impulses. IMPORTANT: IMMEDIATELY RESUME CPR AFTER DEFIBRILLATION! Most common rhythms seen in sudden cardiac arrest are VF and pulseless VT and for that reason early defibrillation is very important.

Steps used to operate AEDs

AEDs may have different models and manufactures, but most of them can be used by using the following steps:

Step	Action
1	Turn on the AED
2	Put the electrode pads to the patient’s bare chest Pick the correct pad (adult pads vs. pediatric pads) Use pediatric pads for those under 8 years of age Wipe the chest dry if it is wet Attach the 2 electrode pads to patient’s bare chest
3	Analyze the rhythm Ensure no one is touching the patient – Clear the patient AED device might automatically analyze the rhythm or ask you to push a button The AED will let you know if shock is advised
4	If shock is needed, CLEAR THE PATIENT Ensure no one is touching the patient Push the SHOCK button
5	Continue CPR beginning with chest compressions Remember 30 compressions to 2 breaths The AED device will tell you to repeat steps 3 and 4, after 2 minutes

A visual representation of how to use AED Pads

Learning Outcomes:

You have completed Chapter VII. Now you should be able to:

Apply the BLS Survey Algorithm to VF and Pulseless VT
Know the importance of Early Defibrillation and Using an AED