How To Use An AED

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) aids an individual experiencing an abrupt heartbeat. Such a condition may sometimes lead to a cardiac arrest. However, it can be prevented by the use of an AED.

Setting your AED

Open up the AED box by snapping at the buttons on a side of it. This will turn the AED on. In case, it doesn’t turn on. Prompts will be displayed appear. Plug the cables into the container.

The set offers pads both for adult and children. Pick one that suits you. Remove the back cover from the pad. The box displays a diagram eliciting how to take the pad off. Follow the instructions contained therein.

How to use the AED:

Make sure that there is no sweating or presence of any water on the victim’s chest. Remove clothing from his / her chest and arms. Put on the AED pads over the chest — one below the nipple and the other above the right chest. Hold the connector fitted there over the pad. Push it into the console. The adapter is very noticeable so plugging and applying an AED is very easy.

Ask the people around the victim to withdraw immediately. The set will display: “analyzing heart rhythm, do not touch the patient.” Pronounce this statement aloud so people don’t come in contact with the victim. The apparatus will advise CPR or shock, so react according to the situation.

CPR and shock:

If the set prompts you for a shock do press the orange button. Normally the button is labelled “shock”. Don’t try to touch the patient. The magnitude of current will range between 150 or 360 joules. Begin giving CPR after shock has once been administered.

CPR should work for a couple of minutes. In certain cases, the AED will assess when CPR is to be dispensed. Follow the instructions. While you operate an AED, it is important that you fulfil all the parameters as it is going to hold a thin barrier between life and death.

Cautions:

Apply the razor kept in the AED box to shave hair from the chest. It is essential to do before you proceed with the application of an AED. In case no razor is available, you may use one of the pads to peel off the hair. Ensure that the pad is clean before applying it. Detach the medication patch before that you use the pad.

A solid mass on the upper chest means it is a pacemaker. Place the AED a few inches on to this side. Don’t use an AED on children aging less than a year. Also, never apply an AED on a metallic plane.

In the end it would be pertinent to mention that you don’t be unsteady in what you do. If you hesitate more, there would be little likelihood of a victim’s survival. Applying an AED could prove a lifesaver, so never let you re-think about helping — just come over it!