One of the top causes of morbidity and mortality in Australia is unexpected cardiac arrest. An astonishing 22,000 to 33,000 Aussies perish as a result of it every year. When the heart’s electrical system malfunctions unexpectedly, the heart stops pumping blood to the victim’s brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. This condition is what doctors call sudden cardiac arrest. An AED and effective CPR can increase the likelihood of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest. Sadly, many patients who require CPR and an AED do not get early defibrillation, which could be life-threatening. Knowing how ZOLL defibrillators operate and where to lay the pads can help you save time if you find yourselves acting as an unplanned rescuer in a crisis.
The first aid and CPR certifications training may also include instruction in AED use. There are two different AED certifications: one for neighbourhood rescuers and one for qualified emergency responders. Keep in mind that using an AED DOES NOT require certification. In order to assist you to be more prepared and comfortable if you have to use a defibrillator, AED certification offers the chance to practise reacting to an SCA incident in the presence of a qualified CPR teacher. Go over some information that will give you more confidence if you have to react to a cardiac emergency.
How To Use An AED In Steps?
The majority of AEDs are made to use speech, text, or images to instruct bystanders, employees, and other lay responders on how to perform a rescue. If you see any of the symptoms and there is an emergency, take the following actions:
- As soon as possible, dial 9-1-1 and have a second bystander locate the nearest AED.
- Verify the victim’s pulse and observe whether they are having trouble breathing. To keep blood flowing to essential organs, if the sufferer is not breathing and you cannot feel a pulse, begin hands-only CPR right away.
- When the AED comes, adhere to the victim’s electrode pads per its instructions. Once attached, the AED will either begin analysing the victim’s cardiac rhythm on its own or will prompt you to press a button. Keep your hands off the sufferer while the AED is conducting this analysis. The AED will advise you about what to do next because not all SCA sufferers require an immediate shock. It might prompt you to push a button to deliver a shock or do so automatically. Make sure to heed the verbal or visual cues.
- The AED will advise you to keep performing CPR after administering a shock. Some AEDs measure the depth and rate of your chest compression and provide instructions on changing your technique for effective CPR. To give better CPR, adhere to the AED instructions.
- Until help arrives, perform CPR and implement the AED’s instructions.
- Stop performing CPR and keep an eye on breathing if there are any signs of life.
Conclusion
When a sudden cardiac arrest occurs, no consideration is given to the victim’s age, condition, or location. AEDs are therefore present in offices, public buildings, and other settings where significant numbers of people congregate. AEDs are often kept in cases with red heart stickers and put in prominent places. Children above eight or over 55 pounds can utilise the majority of regular AEDs. Use paediatric electrode pads on younger or more minor children, which administer shocks with lower energy levels. All ZOLL defibrillators come with pediatric-specific pads; however, not all have a paediatric setting. But utilising a conventional AED is preferable to waiting for emergency personnel to show up. You will feel comfortable if you are the spectator who is suddenly asked to take the closest AED and assist in rescue now that you are aware of the SCA indicators to look out for and use the AED.