Automated External Defibrillator The basics

Automated external defibrillator (AED) 2 Diagnoses cardiac arrhythmias Use an AED on victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – Unresponsive – No pulse – No breathing or abnormal breathing Kolthoff 4 th floor (by elevator) Smith 1 st floor lobby

AED Basics Automated External Defibrillator Diagnoses cardiac arrhythmias – treats those that will respond to shock (heart beating too fast or chaotically) – will not treat ‘flat lining’ Locations: – 4 th floor Kolthoff by elevator – 1 st floor Smith south of lobby – Alarm will sound if opened 3 National Institutes of Health – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “How to Use an Automated External Defibrillator.” 02 Dec Accessed 07 Mar Written instructions Verbal instructions Shock button

When to use an AED Use an AED on persons experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Symptoms include: – Unable to respond when you try to wake them – No breathing or abnormal breathing – No detectable pulse – Blue color in skin – Person might move, spasm Before using an AED: – Confirm that the person cannot respond to shaking or shouting – Call 911 (or have someone else do it) – Chances of survival increase if someone starts CPR while another gets the AED – Make sure person is in a dry area (no puddles, flowing water sources) National Institutes of Health – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “How to Use an Automated External Defibrillator.” 02 Dec Accessed 07 Mar 2013.

How to use an AED Turn on AED power Follow voice prompts Expose person’s chest – Remove jewelry and other metal sources Place sticky pads Press ‘analyze’ button If prompted, push ‘shock’ button Continue CPR if possible National Institutes of Health – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “How to Use an Automated External Defibrillator.” 02 Dec Accessed 07 Mar 2013.

For more information National Institutes of Health website – topics/topics/aed/links.html topics/topics/aed/links.html CPR and first aid classes available through Boynton Health Services – Red Cross online refresher – aed/choices/ aed/choices/