Chapter 6AED
Public Access Defibrillation
• Sudden cardiac death is an unresolved health crisis.
• CPR and defibrillation improve chance for survival.
• Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) must be used in first few minutes following cardiac arrest.
• Public access defibrillation (PAD) laws have helped make AEDs available.
The Chain of Survival
• Early access
• Early CPR
• Early defibrillation
• Early advanced care
How the Heart Works
• The heart is a muscle.
• Four chambers coordinate blood flow
• Pacemaker cells emit electrical impulses; heart muscle contracts
When Normal Electrical Activity Is Interrupted (1 of 2)
• Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)• Most common abnormal heart rhythm in
cases of sudden cardiac arrest in adults• Chaotic electrical activity that causes loss
of circulation
When Normal Electrical Activity Is Interrupted (2 of 2)
• Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)• Very rapid electrical activity• Heart may be unable to pump blood
effectively
Care for Cardiac Arrest
• CPR must be started until defibrillator is available.
• V-fib and V-tach can be corrected with defibrillation, but time is critical.
• For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, victim’s chance for survival decreases by 7% to 10%.
• CPR is initial care until defibrillator is available.
About AEDs (1 of 2)
• Electronic device that: • Analyzes the heart rhythm • Determines and advises need to
shock• Delivers electrical shock to the victim
in cardiac arrest• Reestablishes a heart rhythm that will
generate a pulse
About AEDs (2 of 2)
• Common elements• On/off button• Cable and pads (electrodes)• Analysis capability• Defibrillation capability• Prompts to guide you• Battery operation for portability
Using an AED (1 of 2)
• Turn the unit on.
• Apply AED pads to bare chest and the cable to the AED.
Using an AED (2 of 2)
• Stand clear and analyze the heart rhythm.• Deliver a shock if indicated.• Perform CPR for 2 minutes (five cycles).• Check victim and repeat analysis, shock, and
CPR steps as needed.
Special Considerations (1 of 2)
• Water• Remove victim
from water • Dry victim’s chest
• Children • Medication patches
• Remove patches and wipe skin
Special Considerations (2 of 2)
• Implanted devices
• Pacemakers and defibrillators
• Avoid placing electrode pads over devices.
AED Maintenance• Preventive maintenance checks are
recommended by manufacturers.• The AED will automatically perform
periodic self-tests, but it should be checked daily to ensure proper operation.
• Check expiration and replacement dates on electrode pads and batteries.
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