How to Operate an AED

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are devices used on people in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a sudden stoppage of the heart. The most common heart rhythm for patients who have just had a cardiac arrest is called ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF can be lethal if not treated immediately. An AED is capable of delivering an electric shock that can reverse this rhythm. AEDs have become very widespread and are extremely easy to use. By following a few easy steps, anyone can use these life-saving devices.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if the person is in cardiac arrest. To determine cardiac arrest, check responsiveness, breathing and pulse. If the person is unconscious, not breathing and has no pulse, assume they are in cardiac arrest and obtain an AED. The AED will know for sure if the person is in need of a shock to the heart.

• 2

  Open the AED and grasp the two electrodes. These electrodes are placed on the person's bare chest; one is placed near the right shoulder, and the other near the left nipple. Place them in the locations indicated by the chart on the AED.

• 3

  Turn on the AED. This is usually as simple as pressing the power button. The AED will quickly go through a series of self tests and then begin to analyze the person's heart rhythm. Clear everyone away from the person as the AED analyzes. If the AED needs to deliver a shock, it is important that no one be touching the person. Once the analysis is complete, you will need to shock the person.

• 4

  Wait for the AED to analyze the heart's rhythm. The AED is programmed to determine whether a person is in need of a shock. It will usually take between 10 and 30 seconds for the AED to determine if a shock should be delivered.

• 5

  Press the button marked "shock" to deliver a shock to the person's heart, if that is what the AED instructed you to do. Ensure that everyone is clear of the person prior to pressing the button. Anticipate that the person will jump a little when the shock is delivered.

• 6

  Resume CPR on the person after the shock is delivered. CPR is very critical to the outcome of a cardiac arrest patient.