Automated External Defibrillation Public Access Defibrillation CPR and

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 selftests. • 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.