Automated External Defibrillation

Public Access Defibrillation

• CPR and defibrillation improve chance for survival from sudden cardiac death.

• Defibrillation can be provided by rescuers through the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

• Public access defibrillation (PAD) laws promote the use of AEDs in public places.

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved devices for the home.

How the Heart Works

• Heart is a muscle.• Four chambers

store blood.• Pacemaker cells

send electrical impulses; heart muscle contracts.

• Normal sinus rhythm

When Normal Electrical Activity Is Interrupted (1 of 2)

• Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)– A common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of

sudden cardiac arrest in adults– Chaotic electrical activity that causes loss of

circulation

From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.

When Normal Electrical Activity Is Interrupted (2 of 2)

• Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)– A common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of

sudden cardiac arrest in adults– Very rapid electrical activity– Heart may be unable to pump blood

effectively.

From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.

Care for Cardiac Arrest

• CPR is the initial care 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%.

• Provide CPR until defibrillator is available.

About AEDs (1 of 2)

• Analyzes the heart rhythm• Determines and advises need to shock• Delivers electrical shock to the victim in cardiac

arrest• Can reestablish 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 user– Battery operation for

portability

Using an AED (1 of 2)

• Turn the unit on.• Apply AED pads

to bare, dry chest.• Make sure cable

is attached 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.

• Repeat analysis.• Repeat shock and CPR

as needed.

Special Considerations (1 of 2)

• Water– Remove victim from

water. – Dry victim’s chest.

• Children/infants– Use pediatric pads if

available.• Medication patches

– Remove patches and wipe skin.

Special Considerations (2 of 2)

• Implanted devices– Pacemakers and

defibrillators– Avoid placing

electrode pads over devices if possible.

AED Maintenance

• Preventive maintenance checks are recommended.

• AED automatically performs periodic self-tests.

• Check supplies, such as expiration dates on electrode pads and batteries.

AED Manufacturers

• Devices and supplies are available from different manufacturers.

• All devices function similarly.