We know how important CPR is in saving lives, but not many know that AEDs are of substantial meaning when it comes to emergencies caused by cardiac arrest. These devices have brought something new in treating this kind of emergency cases where the heart stops beating normally.
AED improves the possibility of survival for patients suffering from cardiac arrest in Knoxville by reshaping medical response. The device is not difficult to use, making it perfect in cases when every minute is precious.
Whether you’ve heard about AEDs but want to know more, or you don’t know anything about this device, join us for a closer look at AED – CPR’s technological partner in saving lives. We explain the basics, the use, and what kind of training you need for appropriate usage of this life-saving device.
Understanding AEDs: The Basics
AED, or automated external defibrillator, is an electronic device that you can use to help a victim during cardiac arrest. This device can diagnose and treat dangerous conditions like cardiac arrhythmias, especially ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia.
An AED is an electrical defibrillator that analyzes the heart rhythm of cardiac arrest victims. It helps by sending an electrical shock to the heart to help it restore its rhythm. There are adhesive pads that need to be attached to the chest to identify the heart’s rhythm. This allows an electrical shock to be applied when the heart beats abnormally.
Some devices have visual and auditory step-by-step instructions that help the user and make this device easy to use, even for people who see it for the first time. This feature is vital since the people who use it can lack medical training and need help in the process. Everyone needs a closer look at AED, CPR’s technological partner in saving lives.
The Importance of AEDs
A cardiac arrest requires immediate action because it can have fatal results if not treated promptly. It can happen to anyone, not just the older population or people with health issues. In the case of cardiac arrest, every minute that passes means that the person’s survival chances decrease. This is why AEDs play an important role in the rescue process.
- AED Saves Lives
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the USA, and anyone can witness this happening to someone. An AED is the key to increasing the survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest, which is why AED devices are accessible to the public. They are placed in visibly marked places where anyone witnessing a person suffering a cardiac arrest can access the AED and give first aid.
- Combining CPR and the Use of AED
During a cardiac arrest, the heart unexpectedly stops pumping blood, cutting off the blood flow throughout the body. Performing CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, immediately helps the heart restore its normal rhythm. CPR and AED go hand-in-hand to return the heart to a normal rhythm and improve the chances of survival.
- Early Defibrillation
AEDs are part of the Chain of survival, and it’s important that they are used on time. Administering early defibrillation to an SCA victim means better survival chances. If you find yourself in a situation where an AED is unavailable, call 911 and immediately proceed to perform CPR. This will buy you time until the paramedics arrive and take over.
Proper Usage of AEDs: Step by Step
Despite the general notion that AEDS are complex and should be operated only by medical personnel, AEDs are actually simple and easy to use. People who don’t have any medical background can use them with ease. Keep in mind that performing CPR and using AED on an adult and a child is different.
Below, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use an AED.
- Check Surroundings and Victim Responsiveness
The first step is to check the surroundings and make sure both the rescuer and the victim are safe and away from danger. Remember that there mustn’t be any water or other moisture around since it will prevent the AED from working properly.
Check for responsiveness. If the victim is not responsive and not breathing normally, you can proceed to perform CPR and use an AED.
- Power on the AED
Turn on the AED. The device should have a visible turn-on button and will provide visual and audio instructions on what to do next.
- Attach the Electrodes
Once the AED is on, you must attach the electrode pads to the victim’s chest. One electrode goes on the upper right chest, below the collarbone, and the other is attached below the armpit, on the left side. Once the pads are positioned, plug the connector cables into the AED.
- Analyze the rhythm
Allow the AED time to automatically analyze the heart rhythm of the victim. It is crucial that no one is touching the victim while the device analyzes the heart rhythm. Be sure to give a loud “Clear!” command to warn everyone to stay away.
- Giving a shock
Once the analysis is completed and the results show that a shock is needed, the device will give clear instructions on how to give a shock. Again, make sure no one is touching the victim by giving the “Clear!” command and pressing the shock button.
- Resume CPR
Once the shock is delivered, the AED will instruct you to continue the process by giving CPR. Chest compressions and rescue breaths are the next vital step in the process.
The advantage of the AED device is that it determines how many shocks need to be delivered. This is a safety characteristic of the device, which prevents delivering unnecessary shocks to the victim’s heart.
AEDs in Public Spaces and Communities
For AEDs to save lives, they need to be widely available in public spaces like malls, schools, gyms, etc. The devices need to be easily accessible and located in visible and clearly marked spaces. In case of emergency, the people surrounding the victim should find the device easily and act quickly.
Some campaigns and organizations promote awareness about the importance of accessibility of AED devices. These initiatives have helped empower individuals to act accordingly in urgent situations. The AED devices in the USA are reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the US Food and Drug Administration and they make sure that all devices work properly.
AED Training and Certification
Although AED devices are simple and easy to use, proper training is essential so people are equipped with the basic knowledge. A lot of organizations in Knoxville provide AED and CPR training combined into one program. This program covers the topics of recognizing cardiac arrest, giving CPR, and using AED.
Qualified instructors give lessons and equip people with the essential skills. This is done through simulations of real-life situations to prepare candidates to act confidently after certification.
The Future of AED Technology
As technology improves and advances, so do AED devices. Manufacturers try to make AEDs simpler and more user-friendly to help save more lives. Here is a closer look at AED technological advances you should consider.
- Smart AEDs
Smart defibrillators are designed to improve the CPR quality by giving real-time feedback on the CPR’s correctness so you know whether what you are doing is good. They measure the compression depth and rate so the person delivering the CPR knows whether the heart compressions are effective.
- Integration with Emergency Services
Many governments recognize the need to connect publicly accessible AEDs directly to emergency medical services. This facilitates the rescue process because a medical team gets crucial information about the patient’s condition and can assist.
- Wireless Connectivity
Wi-Fi AED devices have many advantages. Automated reports of the device’s status, remote monitoring of readiness information, and receiving alerts if something is wrong with the device are just some perks. Another benefit is the possibility to transfer critical information to medical professionals to give them a clear picture of what happened during the emergency.
CPR’s Technological Partner in Saving Lives: Final Say
AEDs play a crucial role in saving people suffering from cardiac arrest in Knoxville. They are user-friendly and accessible in almost all public spaces. A closer look at AED, CPR’s technological partner in saving lives, and proper training will make sure that people have the essential skills to use these devices effectively and save a life in case of emergency.