How to Use an AED or Automatic External Defibrillator

Automatic External Defibrillators or AED's are one of the most important life saving devices on the market today. This piece of equipment can be essential in he home, office or public building where so many people move through, and if a person has a heart attack, then this device will prove vital. Early access and public knowledge are two of the most vital parts of our Emergency Management System, and the use of the AED can save the life of a person, and reduce the amount of damage the heart or brain will receive during a cardiac emergency.

Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death in the world, so it would only make sense that people in public jobs be trained to deal with such emergencies. The AED's provided to the public are easy to operate, and have such simple designs a child could do it, and they actually have done it before. Knowing how to operate and manage one of these devices is a must if you are in a job where you deal with the public or elderly, also if you have an elderly person in your care this knowledge is imperative.

If you are face with treating someone with a cardiac emergence then the first thing you need to do is contact 911. If you and another person are present at the scene of an emergency then have one person call for help while the other will begin the activation of the AED and start life saving measures.

The first and most important thing to do is not panic. If you panic then your only going to enhance the problem at hand. Keep in mind that this person in trouble is counting on you, and you alone to help and save them. Be calm and remember that Paramedics are on the way to help, and they will arrive as soon as possible.

Now you need an AED, if possible have someone run and get it for you. If you are at a public office, or school, then someone will know where to find the device. If you are at a privet residence then ask someone if they have an AED on hand, many elderly do. If you do not have an AED available then perform CPR if you know any at all, otherwise sit tight and wait for EMS officials.

Once you have an AED in hand the first and most important thing to do is turn the machine on. Most models have a big button that says "ON" or "POWER" so you won't have a problem. After turning on the AED a voice will instruct you on what to do next. In the newer models this voice will give detailed instructions, so in depth that there is no way that you can mess up.

Next thing to do is just follow instructions. Attach the leads found within the AED case to the patient and the machine will assess for a pulse. If none is found then the machine will instruct you through basic CPR and even provide a tone so you can get a steady rhythm down.

After one minuet of CPR the machine will tell you to stop and stand clear of the patient. At this point it is up to you to make sure that you and anyone else in the area stands away form the person attached to the AED. The machine will assess for a pulse and any interference form you or anyone else could possible cause a false reading by the AED.

After the AED assess for a pulse it will either say "No shock advised" or "Shock advised" in the case of no shock advised the CPR has worked or the persons heart has somewhat recovered from the incident and there is no need for shock. If this is the case DO NOT detach the person from the AED, wait for emergency workers to arrive on scene and do that. However if there is a shock advised then the shock button on the AED will light up and the machine will begin charging for the delivery. Make sure that you and everyone else on scene is clear of the person before delivering the shock. If anyone is touching the patient when the shock is delivered then that could result in serious injury. Just before pressing the button to shock the patient take a quick look around to make sure everyone is clear then yell "Clear!" before pressing the button.

After the shock has been delivered then the AED will assess the situation and give instructions accordingly. Another shock may be required or another minuet of CPR may be needed. The machine knows what to do and all you have to do is follow instructions and keep calm. Emergency officials ill arrive as soon as possible, and keep in mind that any form of CPR is better then no CPR so don't worry about messing up. Also early detection and hook up with the AED will help dramatically in this type of situation. Hopefully you will never have to deal with this kind of thing, but being prepared is the best thing if such an event ever does occur.