W HEN THE H EART S TOPS AEDs

W HEN THE H EART S TOPS Any damage to the heart muscle from disease or injury can disrupt the heart’s electrical system. The 2 most common treatable abnormal rhythms associated with cardiac arrest are ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) and ventricular tachycardia (V- tach). V-fib: The ventricles quiver without any organized rhythm, the electrical impulses fire at random, creating chaos, and the heart is unable to pump circulatory blood. V-tach: When an abnormal electrical impulse originates in the ventricles instead of at the sinoatrial (SA) node. The impulses fire rapidly, preventing the chambers from filling, and the heart can’t pump effectively.

W HEN THE H EART S TOPS AEDs are portable electronic devices that analyze the heart’s rhythm and provide an electrical shock. Defibrillation is the delivery of an electrical shock that may help re-establish an effective rhythm. Each minute that CPR and defibrillation are delayed, the victim’s chance for survival is reduced by about 10%.

W HEN THE H EART S TOPS When cardiac arrest occurs use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) ASAP. If the AED states a shock is needed, follow protocols to provide 1 shock and continue with 2 minutes of CPR. The AED will indicate when the 2 minutes have passed. If CPR is in progress, do not interrupt chest compressions until the AED is plugged on, plugged in, attached to chest and ready to analyze.

U SING A N AED Video – Using an AED (2:30) Pad Placement: Pads should be placed as shown on the pad. One pad goes on the upper right portion of the chest. The other pad goes on the bottom left portion of the chest. Once pads are attached turn the machine on to analyze the heart rhythm. Follow all instructions the AED gives.

W HEN THE H EART S TOPS AEDs may be equipped with pediatric AED pads; however, pediatric pads are appropriate only for use on infants and children up to 8 years old or weighing 55 lbs. or less. If pediatric pads aren’t available, you can use pads designed for adults. If the pads risk touching each other, use the front and back method of placement.

AED S WHEN CPR IS IN P ROGRESS When one rescuer is on the scene, that rescuer begins CPR and instructs someone to summons EMS and get an AED. When the second rescuer arrives, that rescuer gets the AED ready while the first rescuer continues CPR. If at any time either rescuer notices a sign of life, such as breathing, she should stop CPR and monitor the victims condition and administer emergency oxygen if trained to do so. Video: Using and AED when CPR is in Progress (2:00)

G ENERAL P RECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN USING AN AED The victim’s chest area must be dry. Do not use alcohol wipes to dry the chest. Do not use adult pads on an infant or child unless pediatric pads are not available. Do not use pediatric pads on an adult. Do not touch the victim while analyzing. Make sure no one is touching the victim when the shock is delivered. Make sure resuscitation masks are not resting on the victim.

G ENERAL P RECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN USING AN AED Do not administer a shock near flammable or combustible materials. Do not use an AED in a moving vehicle. Do not use an AED on a victim that is in contact with water. Do not use an AED on someone wearing a nitroglycerine patch. Do not use a mobile phone or radio within 6 feet of an AED.