AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) EXPLAINED
Having access to an AED and knowing how to use it could save someone's life.
An AED is a portable device used in emergencies when a patient has undergone sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
It can:
- Check heart rhythm.
- Deliver electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
SCA is an abrupt loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness.
What are the causes of sudden cardiac arrest?
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Electrocution
- Motor vehicle accident
- Heart defect (often undetected)
- Heart attack
- Drowning
- Suffocation
- Other types of injury
- Unknown reasons
CPR alone saves 9% of people who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. CPR, combined with an AED, increases the chance of survival to 50%.
An AED is most effective within 5 minutes of the person collapsing. Many offices, schools, shopping centres, airports, and public spaces have an AED on hand.
What to do if someone has gone into sudden cardiac arrest?
- Call ER24's ambulance on 084124.
- Start with CPR while someone else locates the AED.
- Move the unconscious person away from wet areas.
- Remove all clothing covering their chest.
- Make sure no one (including yourself) is touching the victim.
- Attach the pads to the victim's chest as described in the AED's instructions.
- Press the AED's Analyse button. This determines if the victim has a pulse.
- If a shock is needed, the AED will direct you to press the Shock button. Once pressed, it will deliver a highly effective shock to the heart.
- If a shock is not indicated, it will instruct you to check the victim's pulse and perform CPR to keep blood circulating until an ambulance arrives.
Watch the AED video below
