AED

AED:

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable, computerized device that can identify an abnormal heart rhythm that needs a shock. The AED can then deliver a shock that can stop the abnormal rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) and allow the heart's normal rhythm to return. AEDs are simple to operate, allowing laypersons and healthcare providers to attempt defibrillation safely.

An AED analyzes the heart rhythm to identify the presence of a rhythm that responds to shock therapy (a so-called shockable rhythm). if VF or VT is identified, the device prompts the delivery of an electrical shock to the heart. the shock temporarily ''stuns'' the heart muscle. this stops the VF or pVT and ''resets'' the electrical system of the heart, so a normal (organized) heart rhythm can return. if an organized rhythm returns and high-quality CPR continues, the heart muscle can begin to contract and pump blood effectively. if circulation returns, a pulse is palpable, and this is called return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

TOPIC-Universal Steps for Operating AED

To reduce the time to shock delivery, you should ideally perform the first 2 steps listed below within 30 seconds after the AED arrives at the victim's side.

STEPS

1. Open the carrying case. Power on the AED if needed.

some device will ''power on'' automatically when you open the lid or case.

Follow the AED prompts as a guide to next steps.

2. Attach AED pads to the victim's bare chest. choose adult pads(not child pads or a child system) for a victim 8 years of age older.

peel the backing away from the AED pads.

attach the adhesive AED pads to the victim's bare chest. follow the placement diagrams n the pad.

attach the AED connecting cables to the AED device ( some AED cables are already pre connected to the device.

3. "clear" the victim and allow the AED to analyze the rhythm.

when the AED prompts you, clear the victim during analysis. be sure that no one is touching the victim, even the rescuer in charge of giving breaths.

some AEDs will tell you to push a button to allow the AED to begin analyzing the heart rhythm; others will do that automatically. the AED may take a few seconds to analyze.

The AED then tells you if a shock is needed.

4. If the AED advice a shock, it will tell you to clear the victim and then deliver a shock.

Clear the victim before delivering the shock; be sure that no one is touching the victim.

Loudly state a "clear the victim" message, such as "everybody clear" or simply "clear".

Look to be sure that no one is in contact with the victim.

Press the shock button.

The shock will produce a sudden contraction of the victim's muscles.

5. IF no shock is needed, and after any shock delivery, immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.

6. After about 5 cycles or 2 minutes of CPR, the AED will prompt you to repeat steps 3 and 4.

TOPIC- Do Not Delay High-Quality CPR After AED Use

immediately resume high- quality CPR, starting with chest compressions, after

A shock is delivered or

The AED prompts "no shock advised"

After about 5 cycles or 2 minutes of high-quality CPR, the AED will prompt you to repeat steps 3 and 4. continue until advanced life support providers take over or the victim begin to breath, move , or otherwise react.