Learn How an AED Works

Automated external defibrillators are life-saving devices designed to assist individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This portable machine can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electric shock when necessary to restore the heart’s normal function. AEDs are simple to use, even for people without medical training, and they play a critical role when combined with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in emergencies. In this detailed guide, we will explore how AEDs work, their role in emergencies, their use in different age groups, safety considerations, and why proper training is essential for maximizing their effectiveness.

What Is an AED and How Does It Work?

A compact, portable medical device, an AED is designed to quickly detect abnormal heart rhythms and administer a controlled electric shock to restart or stabilize the heart’s rhythm. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its functionality:

1. Heart Rhythm Analysis

• Electrode Pads: AEDs use adhesive electrode pads, placed on the chest, to detect the heart’s electrical activity. It is crucial to regularly check and maintain AED pads, as they have expiration dates typically ranging from 18 to 30 months. These pads act as sensors, transmitting data to the AED for analysis.

• Assessing Rhythm: Once activated, the AED evaluates whether the heart is experiencing a shockable rhythm, such as:

• Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): The heart’s electrical activity is erratic, causing it to quiver instead of pumping blood.

• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): The heart beats too fast to pump blood effectively.

2. Delivering the Shock

• If the AED detects a shockable rhythm, it prompts the user to press a button to deliver the shock.

• The electrical shock interrupts the abnormal rhythm, allowing the heart to reset and ideally resume a normal rhythm.

3. Guiding the User

• AEDs are equipped with clear, step-by-step instructions, often delivered via voice prompts or visual cues, ensuring that even untrained bystanders can use them effectively.

How AEDs and CPR Work Together

AEDs and CPR are most effective when used together. Rescue breathing helps supply oxygen during CPR, delaying tissue death until more advanced medical interventions can be performed. CPR maintains circulation, delivering oxygen to vital organs, while the AED works to correct the underlying heart rhythm issue. Here’s how the two methods complement each other:

1. Sustaining Blood Flow with CPR

• During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood. CPR steps in to manually compress the chest, keeping blood flowing to the brain and other organs until the AED can deliver a shock.

2. AED Restores the Heart’s Rhythm

• While CPR sustains life, the AED focuses on diagnosing and addressing the electrical malfunction causing the cardiac arrest. Together, they form a powerful life-saving combination.

3. Enhanced Survival Rates

Studies show that the use of CPR and AEDs can potentially save lives during cardiac arrest, as the survival rate for cardiac arrest victims can double or even triple when these measures are used promptly. The sooner defibrillation occurs, the higher the chances of survival.

Using AEDs on Infants and Children

While AEDs are often associated with adult victims, they are also effective and safe for use on infants and children in cardiac emergencies. However, there are some specific considerations:

1. Pediatric Settings and Pads

• Many AEDs include pediatric settings or come with specially designed pediatric pads that deliver a lower energy shock appropriate for smaller bodies.

• If pediatric pads are unavailable, standard adult pads can still be used in an emergency, but proper placement is critical to avoid overlap.

2. Importance of AED Use for Children

• Cardiac arrest in children, though less common than in adults, can occur due to congenital heart defects, drowning, choking, or trauma. Quick use of an AED can dramatically improve their chances of survival.

3. CPR and AED Integration in Pediatric Emergencies

• CPR tailored for infants and children differs slightly from adult CPR, with emphasis on gentler compressions and breaths. Certification courses often include training for both CPR and AED use in these age groups.

Understanding Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

To use an AED effectively, it’s essential to differentiate between cardiac arrest and a heart attack, as the treatment for each condition varies:

1. Cardiac Arrest

• Cause: Electrical malfunction that stops the heart’s ability to pump blood.

• Symptoms: The victim collapses, loses consciousness, becomes unresponsive, absence of a pulse, and no breathing.

• Immediate Action Needed: Requires CPR and defibrillation with an AED.

2. Heart Attack

• Cause: Blockage in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.

• Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.

• Treatment: May require medication, surgery, or CPR if it leads to cardiac arrest.

Steps for Using an AED

Using an AED is straightforward, but following the correct steps ensures safety and effectiveness:

1. Turn On the AED

• Follow the device’s audio and visual prompts immediately after turning it on.

2. Attach Electrode Pads

Place the pads on the victim’s bare chest as indicated by the diagrams on the pads. It is crucial to contact emergency services while using the AED to ensure proper medical assistance is on the way. Typically:

• One pad goes on the upper right side of the chest.

• The other pad is placed on the lower left side below the armpit.

3. Ensure No Contact During Analysis

• The AED will analyze the heart’s rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. During this time, ensure no one is touching the victim, as interference can lead to inaccurate readings.

4. Deliver the Shock

• If a shock is advised, ensure everyone is clear of the victim. Press the button to administer the shock when prompted.

5. Continue CPR

• After the shock, continue CPR until the AED re-analyzes or emergency medical personnel arrive.

Safety Considerations for AED Use

Using an AED requires some basic safety precautions to protect both the victim and responders:

1. Avoid Wet Surfaces

• Ensure the victim is on a dry surface, as water can conduct electricity and reduce the effectiveness of the shock.

2. Remove Metal Items

• Remove any metallic objects, such as jewelry, that may be in contact with the electrode pads to avoid burns or interference.

3. Monitor for Breathing

• Even if the victim regains consciousness, continue monitoring their breathing and pulse until professional help arrives.

4. Do Not Remove Pads

• Once applied, the electrode pads should remain in place. They may be used for additional shocks or to assist emergency personnel during transport.

Why Immediate AED Use Is Critical

Time is the most critical factor during a cardiac arrest. First responders typically arrive within eight to twelve minutes, making immediate action by bystanders crucial. Every minute without defibrillation reduces the victim’s chances of survival by approximately 10%. Prompt AED use ensures:

• Rapid Treatment: AEDs can be applied in under two minutes by trained individuals.

• Life-Saving Results: The sooner the AED delivers a shock, the higher the likelihood of restoring a normal heart rhythm.

Training and Certification

To maximize the effectiveness of AED use, proper training is essential. Certification courses teach the skills needed to handle cardiac emergencies confidently.

What You’ll Learn

• Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest.

• Operating an AED, including pad placement and safety steps.

• Combining CPR and AED techniques for maximum effectiveness.

Training Formats

• Online Courses: Convenient and flexible for individuals with busy schedules.

• Training: Practice with real equipment for practical experience.

• Specialized Classes: Tailored for workplace safety, schools, or specific populations like infants and children.

Conclusion

An AED is more than just a device—it’s a lifeline that bridges the gap between cardiac arrest and survival. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops beating or goes into ventricular fibrillation, making immediate medical intervention crucial. By analyzing heart rhythms and delivering shocks when needed, AEDs play a pivotal role in saving lives. Combined with CPR, AEDs provide the best chance for recovery during cardiac emergencies. Learning how to use an AED effectively through proper training ensures you’re prepared to act confidently when every second counts.

Whether for adults, children, or infants, becoming certified in AED use empowers you to be a first responder in critical moments. Take a CPR and AED certification course today to join the growing community of life-savers. Your knowledge could make all the difference in someone’s life.