Clinical Quick Reference Monthly / January 2023 – What Everyone Needs to Know About Automated External Defibrillators
Clinical Quick Reference Guides - Clinical Concept Review/AEDs
This review will clarify basic concepts related to the use of AEDs.
What is an AED?
The term “AED” refers to automated external defibrillator. An AED or AEDs, are portable devices that can help save lives when used appropriately. Automated external defibrillators were designed to assist individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical condition that occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating.
An AED used in combination with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the first few minutes following sudden cardiac arrest has been shown to be an integral component of successful outcomes.
Are All AEDs The Same?
There are two types of AEDs available. Those used in public access areas and the variety that professionals utilize.
Public access AEDs are the kind visible in public places, such as: the airport, gyms, schools, government buildings, and many other similar venues.
These types of AEDs are created to be used by laypersons with little training.
Professional use AEDs are specifically manufactured for use by trained responders and medical personnel with additional AED training.
Are All AEDs Fully Automatic?
It is helpful to understand that AEDs are usually either semi-automated, or fully automated. Let’s take a minute to review what that means.
A Semi-automated defibrillator will analyze the individual’s heart rhythm, and if it detects an abnormal heart rhythm that requires treatment, the device will prompt the person using the defibrillator to press a button to deliver a defibrillation shock. It is important for the person assisting to listen CAREFULLY to ALL prompts. Especially if you receive the prompt to “Stand clear of the patient.” This is to protect the user and the person who needs help. We don’t need the person helping receiving an unintended defibrillation!
The Fully automated defibrillator will analyze the rhythm and deliver a defibrillation shock if commanded by the device software without intervention. Again, the individual utilizing the machine should remain as calm as possible and FOLLOW PROMPTS. Especially the guidance that prompts to “Stand clear of the patient.”
At the end of the article there will be a video to better illustrate the prompts and familiarize those new to AEDs with their appearance and some of the most common features.
What Is The Best Way To Become Familiar With An AED?
The American Red Cross is an organization with local chapters across the United States that regularly provides CPR/AED classes. This is one of the best ways to become familiar with an AED and its use. The classes take only a few hours and could help save a life.
Red Cross classes help to train Good Samaritans, parents, teachers, grandparents, office staff, and medical professionals with hands-on use of the devices. Courses are specific to the needs of the learner. They are the best way to assure that both lay people and professionals learn how to provide assistance for the individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Some Common Steps In AED Utilization
There are usually some common aspects related to the use of an AED. If a bystander is present when another individual has fainted and requires their assistance, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following:
Check to see if the person is breathing and has a pulse.
If a pulse can not be felt and the person is not breathing, call for emergency assistance right away.
If there are others present, one person can call 911 and another person can prepares the AED.
If you're alone, call 911 or emergency services first to make sure help is on the way.
Turn on the AED.
The automated external defibrillator will provide step-by-step instructions.
The device will tell you how to check for breathing and a pulse and how to position electrode pads on the person's (bare) chest.
Deliver the shock.
While pads are in place, the AED automatically detects heart rhythm and determines if a shock is needed.
If it is, the machine tells the user to stand back and push a button to deliver the shock.
***The devices are programmed not to deliver a shock when it isn't required.
Start CPR.
Begin CPR after the shock is delivered if CPR is still needed.
The AED can and will guide a user through CPR.
This process can be repeated as needed until emergency crews take over.
Remember that if purchased, home units will come with specific instructions on how to use and maintain the AED. In homes with an AED, it's helpful for everyone in the home to read the instructions and review them periodically. However, taking a class is still the best way to become comfortable with an AED unit.
Medical Terminology
Getting to know these terms will help reinforce the above material.
AED – a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal. Ventricular fibrillation is the uncoordinated heart rhythm most often responsible for sudden cardiac arrest.
CPR – a lifesaving technique that's useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
Sudden cardiac arrest – (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It can strike people of all ages, who may seem to be healthy, even children and teens.
Helpful videos:
American Red Cross:
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/aed-training/aed-classes
Disclaimer: The above study guide represents study materials; always seek and follow the advice of your medical provider for any acute or chronic medical issues or questions, and follow the protocols of your program or supervising agency.
Resources:
CDC
FDA
OSHA
Mayo Clinic