AED
An AED or Automated External Defibrillator is a lifesaving piece of equipment that is used in cases of life threatening cardiac arrhythmias which lead to cardiac arrest. It is portable and lightweight allowing the user to transport it quite easily from storage to where it is needed and allows for simply use so that the lay rescuer can use it in an emergency with minimal training. However minimal, training is advises to gain familiarity and confidence using this lifesaving device and there are several different types of defibrillator on the market.
However, they all pretty much work the same way and that is to recognise when the heart is in a treatable but dysfunctional 'rhythm' and shock it back to a normal one.
The rhythms that the device will treat are:
Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular Fibrillation
In each of these two types of shockable cardiac arrhythmia, the heart is active, but in a life-threatening, dysfunctional pattern.
(NOTE: Cardiac arrest is classified into "shockable" versus "non–shockable", based upon the ECG rhythm. The two shockable rhythms are ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia while the two non–shockable rhythms are asystole and pulseless electrical activity. This refers to whether a particular class of disrhythmia is treatable using defibrillation)
Course Content:
Legal and ethics issues
Function and dysfunction of the heart
Common Heart problems
Recognising different signs and symptom
Difference between 'terms'
First Aid for Heart Attack
Scene assessment and management.
Safety and Universal Precautions
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Recovery position.
AED familiarisation.
AED operation.
Some challenges and case studies
Going through student handouts / materials
BONUS
As a bonus adjunct we also cover related healthcare practises including:
The use of a Pulse Oximeter (to measure oxygen saturation SpO2 - with healthy expected limits)
The use of a BM Machine (to measure Blood Sugar - with best upper and lower limits)
The use of a Sphygmomanometer (to measure Blood Pressure with healthy standards)
What is Systolic, Diasystolic, readings, M.A.P., Pulse Pressure, Heart Rate and healthy standards.
Additionally what are other 'vital' signs and healthy limits, averages such as tachypnea or bradycardia...
Practicals include: The use of Oxygen in Basic Life Support with the use of an AED.
Assessment / Testing:
Professional / Group Discussion
Short multiple choice questionnaire
Continuous assessment during the course
Short practical Test
Certification:
Colour Certificate of Competence
Certificate is issued as valid for one year as per UK Resuscitation Council guidelines
(Recertification is advised / recommended) on top of BLS (Basic Life Support)
NB: I have heard I can I use a defib to save someone's life if I have not been through a certification course?
"Face to Face" medical training and certification to use an AED, is not MANDATED by law however it satisfies best practice and IS needed by many organsations that provide Medical Responders and Rescuers...
Cost
£99 per person
Includes all materials
Includes Certification
Duration
This comprehensive training course lasts approximately 4-5 hours