Chapter 6Automated External Defibrillation

Public Access Defibrillation (1 of 2)

A victim’s chance of survival dramatically improves through early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Public Access Defibrillation (2 of 2)

• AED must be used in first few minutes to be effective.

• AEDs are available in many public places.

How the Heart Works • An organ with four

hollow chambers• Two chambers on the

right; two chambers on the left

• Electrical system• Contracts approximately

every second• Needs an abundant

supply of oxygen

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

• The organized wave of electrical impulses is lost.

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)• Heart beats too

fast to pump blood.

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

Care for Cardiac Arrest

• Time is crucial.• CPR is the initial

care.

About AEDs (1 of 3)

Electronic device that: • analyzes the heart rhythm.• delivers an electric shock if necessary.• corrects one of the abnormal electrical

disturbances.

About AEDs (2 of 3)

• Attaches to victim’s chest

• Built-in rhythm analysis system

• Records victim’s heart rhythm, shock data, and other information

About AEDs (3 of 3)

Common elements:• On/off mechanism• Cable and pads (electrodes)• Analysis capability• Defibrillation capability• Prompts • Battery-operation capability

Using an AED (1 of 4)

• Only use if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing.

• Power on the AED.

Using an AED (2 of 4)

• Apply the pads to the victim’s bare chest.

Using an AED (3 of 4)

• Stand clear.• Allow the device

to analyze the heart rhythm.

• If advised, press the shock button.

Using an AED (4 of 4)

• Perform CPR. • Follow the device

prompts.

Special Considerations (1 of 3)

• Water• Remove victim from water. • Dry victim’s chest.

• Children • May have special pediatric

padsLIFEPAK® 1000 Defibrillator (AED) courtesy of Physio-Control. Used with permission of Physio-Control, Inc., and according to the Material Release Form provided by Physio-Control.

Special Considerations (2 of 3)

• Medication patches• Remove prior to

attaching AED.

Special Considerations (3 of 3)

Implanted devices• Pacemakers • Defibrillators

• Avoid placing electrode pads over devices.

• Allow the unit to stop before using the AED.

AED MaintenanceAEDs should be inspected periodically to ensure proper working condition and to ensure that proper supplies are available.

AED SuppliesSupplies included:• Two sets of electrode pads• Extra battery• Razor• Hand towelSupplies to consider:• Breathing device• Exam gloves

AED Manufacturers

AED devices and related supplies are available from different manufacturers.