Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Understanding CPR and AED
- Special Considerations for Handling AEDs
- Wrapping Up
Introduction
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training are vital skills that can make a huge difference in emergencies. Knowing how to perform CPR and being AED trained can save lives during situations like heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrests. These skills are not only useful for healthcare professionals but are also essential for everyone, as emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Enrolling in CPR & AED training ensures you are prepared to act swiftly and effectively when needed.
Understanding CPR and AED
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is an emergency procedure performed when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygen to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives. AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. It analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to help restore a normal heartbeat. By understanding what CPR and AED stand for, you are better prepared to use these tools effectively during life-threatening situations.
Knowing the basic components of these techniques and CPR and AED steps can help you act quickly and effectively in a crisis.
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation):
- Chest Compressions: Push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest. Compress the chest at a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm) and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs.
- Rescue Breaths: If you are trained, after every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Ensure the person’s airway is open by tilting the head back slightly and lifting the chin.
- Action Timing: Begin CPR immediately if the person is unresponsive and not breathing. The faster you start, the better their chances of survival.
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator):
- Using the Device: AEDs are easy to use. When you turn on the AED, it will guide you with voice prompts and visual instructions on what to do next.
- Pad Placement: Place the AED pads on the person’s bare chest. One pad goes on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone. The other pad goes on the lower left side, a few inches below the armpit.
- Delivering a Shock: The AED will analyze the heart’s rhythm and tell you if a shock is needed. If so, follow the instructions to press the button and deliver the shock. This helps restore a normal heart rhythm. After the AED delivers a shock, the rescuer should follow the AED’s instructions and wait for it to analyze the heart rhythm again to determine if additional shocks are needed.
Statistics show that if an AED is used within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, it can increase the chance of survival by up to 70%. Combining CPR with AED use gives a person the best chance of recovery during a cardiac emergency.
Read More: What does CPR stand for?
Special Considerations for Handling AEDs
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) effectively involves understanding some special considerations that can affect the success of defibrillation. These guidelines help ensure that the AED functions correctly and safely in various situations.
- AED in Water:
- Can you use an AED on a wet person? While an AED can be used in emergencies, it’s crucial to dry the victim’s chest and remove any wet clothing before applying the pads to ensure safety and effectiveness. Water around the victim can make defibrillation dangerous.
- Dry the Chest: Wipe the chest area completely dry and remove any wet clothing. Avoid getting the AED pads wet and seek shelter from rain. Quick action is crucial to save the victim’s life.
- Victims with Hypothermia:
- Immediate CPR: For victims suffering from hypothermia, begin CPR right away if they are not breathing. Once the AED is ready, use it as directed, but be careful not to shake the victim, as it can cause ventricular fibrillation. Try to warm the victim to prevent further heat loss.
- When should the rescuer operating the AED clear the victim? The rescuer should clear the victim immediately before the AED delivers a shock to ensure that no one is in contact with the person.
- Jewelry:
- No Need to Remove: Jewelry and body piercings do not affect the AED shocks. Do not spend time trying to remove them. However, avoid placing AED pads directly over jewelry or piercings and follow the AED’s instructions carefully.
- What to do while the AED is analyzing is to keep the area around the victim clear of any obstructions or hazards to ensure the AED can function properly.
- Hairy Chest:
- Shave or Pad: If the victim has a lot of chest hair, the AED pads may not adhere properly. If possible, shave the area where the pads will be placed. If shaving isn’t feasible, use the AED’s provided pads to stick better or apply extra pressure.
- Pacemaker and Defibrillator Recipients:
- Avoid Direct Contact: Pacemakers and internal defibrillators are devices implanted to help regulate heartbeats. Do not place AED pads directly over these devices as it may interfere with the shock.
- After delivering shock with AED you should, you should check the victim’s condition and continue to follow the AED’s instructions, ensuring that the pads are not placed directly over any implanted pacemakers or defibrillators.
- Pregnancy:
- Use AED Carefully: The AED pads should normally be placed on the upper right side of the chest and the lower left side to ensure effective shock delivery. If the victim is pregnant, place the AED pads as you would for other adults, avoiding the area directly over the abdomen. Perform CPR and defibrillation as needed, and follow the AED’s instructions carefully.
- Metal Surfaces:
- Avoid Direct Contact: You can use an AED if the victim is lying on a metal surface. Just ensure the AED pads do not touch the metal. Metal surfaces do not affect the shock delivery as long as the pads are properly placed.
- Severe Trauma:
- Assess the Situation: In cases of severe trauma, be cautious when applying AED pads. Avoid placing them over any obvious injuries or wounds. Ensure that the AED pads are placed on uninjured skin.
Read More: The latest CPR and ECC changes
Wrapping Up
Understanding how to use an AED and perform CPR is crucial for anyone who might face a medical emergency. By knowing the techniques and special considerations, you can provide effective help and potentially save a life.
CPR & AED training not only equips you with life-saving skills but also gives you the confidence to act decisively when every second counts. Your readiness to help in emergencies makes a real difference and contributes to the safety and well-being of those around you. Enroll in a CPR/AED training course to gain essential life-saving skills today!
