1. Using an AED

2. When the heart “suddenly” fails
Heart has an electrical system
Signal sent through the upper chambers (atria)
Continues through lower chambers (ventricles)
This signal causes the muscle to contract and relax at a regular rhythm

3. Damage hearts can have a faulty electrical system
Abnormal heart rhythms that can stop the circulation of blood
If circulation is disrupted it will eventually make it back to the heart muscle and when that fails the heart stops

4. Types of Rhythms

5. This is a rhythm you can shock
Types of Rhythms
This is a rhythm you can shock

6. If the heart suddenly stops…
The victim will most likely collapse, become unconscious and stop breathing
This is where seconds count – they typically go into one of the shock-able rhythms first before complete heart stop

7. If you do nothing else…
The most important thing you can do as a layperson responder is to call for help. If you don’t call…They probably don’t live.

8. During sudden heart stop – don’t forget to call 911 FIRST!
If you do nothing else…
During sudden heart stop – don’t forget to call 911 FIRST!

9. Using an AED Don’t stop CPR until you are ready to apply the AED
AED can be used as soon as it’s available:
Don’t stop CPR until you are ready to apply the AED
Follow the prompts on the machine
I’m clear – you’re clear – we’re all clear

10. Precautions for an AED…
Do not use alcohol to wipe the person’s chest dry – It’s flammable
Do not use an AED and/or pads designed for adults on children younger than 8 or weighing less than 55 pounds unless Pediatric Pads are available
Do not use pediatric pads on a child / adult older than 8 years old. Pediatric pads deliver a lower voltage that is appropriate for children only.
Don’t touch the person while analyzing or shocking

11. Precautions for an AED…
Do not defribullate around flammable items
Do not use in a moving vehicle
Do not use on a person that is wet or in contact with water.
Do not put the AED Pad on top of a nitroglycerin patch or other medical patch.
Pacemakers do not typically present any problems with using an AED

12. How to use the AED Call 911 Remove the shirt of the victim
Apply the pads to the chest as shown on the pads
Turn the unit on
Tell everyone to “STAND CLEAR”
Follow any other prompts while analyzing
If advised to shock – MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS CLEAR
Press the shock button
Continue CPR

13. Water Special Situations Remove the victim from the water Dry them off
Make sure you are not wet or in any water on the ground
Avoid getting the unit or the pads overly wet. – Rain won’t make a huge difference as long as it’s not a monsoon!

14. Pacemakers Special Situations
Usually located below the left collar bone and don’t present a problem with pad placement
Do not put a pad in contact with the pacemaker
If unsure about a pacemaker, shock anyway – usually won’t make a difference.

15. Pacemakers Special Situations
Usually located below the left collar bone and don’t present a problem with pad placement
Do not put a pad in contact with the pacemaker
If unsure about a pacemaker, shock anyway – usually won’t make a difference.

16. Medical Patches Special Situations
Remove the patch – be sure you are wearing gloves, you can receive the medication if you get it on your skin

17. Hypothermia Special Situations
Be sure the victim is dry (as much as possible)
Never withhold CPR or AED use while trying to re-warm someone

18. Chest Hair Special Situations
Excessive chest hair may interfere with the machine
Use a set of pads on the chest hair – press down hard then rip them off and remove some of the hair
Some AED kits have a safety razor to remove hair also