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How to Use Alpha-Blockers & AEDs

Alpha blockers are medications prescribed to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and enlarged prostates. Alpha blockers counteract the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and relax small blood vessels; this allows blood to flow more easily around the body. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are electronic machines that deliver electric shocks to people whose hearts have stopped due to trauma. The electric shocks can, in some cases, restart the heart of the victim and allow him to recover with the help of medical care.

Things You'll Need

  • Prescription for alpha blockers
  • Journal or notebook
  • Automated external defibrillator
  • Towel
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Instructions

  1. Alpha Blockers

    • 1

      Talk to your doctor about the possibility of alpha blockers helping your condition. If so, obtain a prescription for an alpha blocker such as doxazosin, terazosin or alfuzosin.

    • 2

      Take your alpha blocker prescription according to the dosage instructions on the prescription label. You may experience negative side effects after taking your first few doses, including dizziness and fainting as a result of your lowered blood pressure.

    • 3

      Keep a journal of your symptoms and side effects. Share your experiences with your doctor after three months of treatment. This will help her determine whether or not alpha blockers are the correct medication for your condition.

    AEDs

    • 4

      Call 911 as soon as you see an unconscious victim. Check the victim for a pulse. Open the AED container if he has no pulse.

    • 5

      Unbutton or remove the victim's shirt. Remove all undergarments above the waist. Move the victim to a dry area if necessary, and dry his skin with a towel or cloth.

    • 6

      Turn on the AED; there should be a large green power button on the AED's plastic casing. Diagrams on the AED packaging should tell you where to place the shock pads.

    • 7

      Place one shock pad on upper right of the victim's chest, below the shoulder. Place the other shock pad on the victim's left side. The pads will have markings on them to indicate which pad goes in which location.

    • 8

      Tell everyone to stand clear. No one should be touching the victim. Press the "analyze" button. The AED will determine whether or not a victim needs an electric shock and give audible instructions from this point forward.

    • 9

      Press the "shock" button if a shock is advised. The AED will deliver an electric shock and then automatically determine if another shock is necessary. If so, repeat this step.

    • 10

      Begin CPR if no shocks are advised. Continue CPR until paramedics or emergency medical technicians arrive.

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