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Understanding Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Learn about AED use in different scenarios, the importance of time, and how to adapt for children. Get insights on AED placement and dealing with internal pacemakers/defibrillators.

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Understanding Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

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  1. LESSON 6 AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED) 6-1

  2. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) • Many victims who receive BLS need an AED • Often in cardiac arrest heart has abnormal rhythm • Use AED with unresponsive victim who is not breathing normally • AED may correct abnormal heart rhythm

  3. Public Access to AEDs • Ideally an AED should reach victim within minutes • AEDs available in many places • For use by trained rescuers and first aiders

  4. Heart’s Electrical System continued • Ventricular fibrillation common abnormal heart rhythm after heart attack, electrocution, hypothermia and other causes • Ventricles of heart are quivering instead of beating rhythmically • In about ½ of cases of cardiac arrest, victim’s heart is in fibrillation

  5. How AEDs Work • Automatically checks victim’s heart rhythm to detect fibrillation • Advises whether victim needs a shock • The shock (defibrillation) is an attempt to return heart to a more normal rhythm

  6. Time is Important • AEDs are easy and simple to use but must be used right away • With every minute that goes by, survival drops by about 10%

  7. AED Use in Children • Follow adult guidelines for children over age 8 • Sudden cardiac arrest can occur in younger children and infants • SIDS • Poisoning • Drowning • Heart problems

  8. AED Use in Children continued • Give child two minutes of CPR before using AED • Unless witnessed that child collapsed suddenly

  9. AED Use in Children continued • Use pediatric pads • Smaller • Produce lower-energy shocks • Follow diagram on pads for placement • Pediatric pads should not be used on adults • If pediatric pads are not available, use adult pads

  10. Internal Pacemaker/Defibrillator • May see bulge beneath victim’s skin • Do not place AED over area—place it at least one or more inches away • If victim’s body is jerking • Implanted defibrillator may be giving shocks • Wait until jerking ends

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