1. Chapter 6 AED

2. Public Access Defibrillation
Sudden cardiac death is an unresolved health crisis.
CPR and defibrillation improve chance for survival.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) must be used in first few minutes following cardiac arrest.
Public access defibrillation (PAD) laws have helped make AEDs available.

3. The Chain of Survival Early access Early CPR Early defibrillation
Early advanced care

4. How the Heart Works The heart is a muscle.
Four chambers coordinate blood flow
Pacemaker cells emit electrical impulses; heart muscle contracts

5. When Normal Electrical Activity Is Interrupted (1 of 2)
Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)
Most common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest in adults
Chaotic electrical activity that causes loss of circulation

6. When Normal Electrical Activity Is Interrupted (2 of 2)
Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)
Very rapid electrical activity
Heart may be unable to pump blood effectively

7. Care for Cardiac Arrest
CPR must be started until defibrillator is available.
V-fib and V-tach can be corrected with defibrillation, but time is critical.
For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, victim’s chance for survival decreases by 7% to 10%.
CPR is initial care until defibrillator is available.

8. About AEDs (1 of 2) Electronic device that: Analyzes the heart rhythm
Determines and advises need to shock
Delivers electrical shock to the victim in cardiac arrest
Reestablishes a heart rhythm that will generate a pulse

9. About AEDs (2 of 2) Common elements On/off button
Cable and pads (electrodes)
Analysis capability
Defibrillation capability
Prompts to guide you
Battery operation for portability

10. Using an AED (1 of 2) Turn the unit on.
Apply AED pads to bare chest and the cable to the AED.

11. Using an AED (2 of 2) Stand clear and analyze the heart rhythm.
Deliver a shock if indicated.
Perform CPR for 2 minutes (five cycles).
Check victim and repeat analysis, shock, and CPR steps as needed.

12. Special Considerations (1 of 2)
Water
Remove victim from water
Dry victim’s chest
Children
Medication patches
Remove patches and wipe skin

13. Special Considerations (2 of 2)
Implanted devices
Pacemakers and defibrillators
Avoid placing electrode pads over devices.

14. AED Maintenance
Preventive maintenance checks are recommended by manufacturers.
The AED will automatically perform periodic self-tests, but it should be checked daily to ensure proper operation.
Check expiration and replacement dates on electrode pads and batteries.