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.