How to Use a Defibrillator

Sudden cardiac arrest claims 400,000 each year in the United States alone. It's the cause of more than half the deaths from heart disease. SCA occurs when the heart's electrical impulses no longer generate a capable heartbeat. If left untreated, ventricular fibrillation will cause brain death in just four to six minutes. 90 percent of SCA victims die from lack of treatment. The chances of successful defibrillation decline by about ten percent a minute of delay. In an effort to increase the odds of a victim's survival lightweight portable Automated External Defibrillators, AED's, have been installed on airplanes, in retirement communities and on campuses. AED's deliver a powerful electrical shock to the heart that restores normal heart beat. It should only be used with SCA that doesn't respond to Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, CPR. Here's how to use one.

Things You'll Need

• Automated External Defibrillator

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Instructions

• 1

  Switch on the defibrillator. Some AEDs may automatically switch on when the AED lid is opened. Others have an easy to identify green button. If more than one rescuer is present, continue CPR until the shock is administered

• 2

  Remove the victims' shirt or blouse, watch, rings and jewelry. Check for piercings and remove all studs.

• 3

  Apply the electrode pads to the chest according the diagram displayed on the machine. Place one on the upper right side of the chest, the other on the lower left.

• 4

  Stop CPR. Plug the electrode pads into the connector. The defibrillator will analyze the patient's heart beat and asses the need for a shock. During this process do not touch the patient.

• 5

  If the AED determines that a shock is needed, the machine will tell you audibly to deliver a shock by pressing the orange button. Yes, it is useful to say "Clear" prior to doing so, since no rescuers should be in contact with the patient at this time. The machine will examine the victim's heart beat to see if another shock is needed. If it is, you'll be told to press the orange button again. Some AED's will administer the shocks automatically as needed.

• 6

  Check the victim's breathing and pulse. If the heart has resumed beating, but the patient is not breathing, resume CPR. If there is no pulse, repeat the defibrillation process.