Adult AED Usage – Learn to Save Lives | USCPR Online

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• What is an AED?
• How Does an AED Work?
• When to Use an AED on an Adult
• Precautions to Take When Using an AED
• Risks Associated with Using an AED
• AED Training
• Wrapping Up

Introduction

Every year, more than 350,000 people in the United States experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. Shockingly, only about 10% survive. In these critical moments, knowing how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be the difference between life and death. AEDs are powerful tools designed to revive a person’s heart. 

Proper adult AED usage can increase the chances of survival in emergency situations. They are made to be used by everyday people—not just healthcare professionals. With survival rates dropping every minute without intervention, understanding how to use an AED could mean saving a life. 

By learning this skill, you can be prepared to act quickly and effectively during a cardiac emergency, becoming a true lifesaver when it matters most. Let’s learn more about this device in the following sections!

What is an AED?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can save a life during sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating correctly, usually because of a problem with its electrical signals. This condition prevents the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body, causing the person to collapse and lose consciousness. By ensuring correct AED pad placement for adults, the AED delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.

Using an AED within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can dramatically increase the chances of survival to as high as 70% or more with immediate AED use and proper CPR. This makes knowing how to use an AED not only valuable but potentially lifesaving.

How Does an AED Work?

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is straightforward. Following the AED use steps carefully ensures that you deliver the right treatment. These are as follows:

1. Turn on the AED: First, turn on the AED by pressing the power button. Some AEDs turn on automatically when you open the lid. Once it’s on, the AED will start giving you clear voice instructions to follow.
2. Attach the Pads to the Person’s Chest: The AED comes with two adhesive pads called electrodes. These pads usually have pictures on them to show you where to place them. Stick one pad on the upper right side of the person’s bare chest, just below the collarbone. 
3. Proper AED pad placement is necessary to deliver the shock effectively. Place the other pad on the lower left side, a few inches below the armpit. The chest must be bare and dry, so if the person is wet, quickly wipe them dry before attaching the pads.
4. Let the AED Analyze the Heart Rhythm: Once the pads are in place, the AED will begin to check the person’s heart rhythm. The device will tell you to stay clear and not touch the person during this time. This analysis is done automatically, and you will hear the AED’s voice prompt guiding you.
5. Deliver a Shock if Needed: If the AED detects a dangerous heart rhythm that needs a shock, it will tell you to press the shock button. Make sure no one is touching the person before pressing the button. Once you press it, the AED will deliver a shock to try to restart the heart into a normal rhythm.
6. Follow Additional Instructions: After the shock, or if no shock is advised, the AED will instruct you to start CPR. Continue following the AED’s voice prompts until emergency medical help arrives or the person starts to show signs of life. The AED may analyze the heart rhythm again after a few minutes and advise additional shocks if necessary.

Read More: How to Use an AED: Step-By-Step Guide

When to Use an AED on an Adult

Knowing when to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is just as important as knowing how to use one. An AED is used to correct the heart’s rhythm by analyzing it and, if necessary, delivering a shock to reestablish normal function. The sooner an AED is used, the better the chances of survival.

Here are the key situations to look out for:

1. The Person is Unresponsive: If an adult suddenly collapses and does not respond to loud calls or gentle shaking, this is a strong indication that they may be in cardiac arrest. The lack of response means the person could be unconscious, and their heart might not be functioning properly.
2. No Normal Breathing: Check if the person is breathing normally. If they are not breathing at all or are only gasping for air with no regular breaths, this could be a sign of cardiac arrest. Gasping is not considered normal breathing, so if you notice this, it’s time to use the AED.
3. No Pulse or Signs of Circulation: If you are trained to check for a pulse and cannot find one, or if the person shows no signs of circulation (like moving or coughing), these are indicators that their heart may have stopped or is beating irregularly. In this case, immediately use an AED and begin CPR while waiting for emergency medical help.

Precautions to Take When Using an AED

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can save lives, but it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the person in cardiac arrest. Here are some key precautions to follow when using an AED:

1. Ensure the Area is Safe: Before using an AED, make sure the area around the person is safe. If the person is lying in water or a wet area, move them to a dry surface if possible. Water can conduct electricity and may cause the shock to spread, putting both the rescuer and others at risk. Always dry the person’s chest before the adult AED pad placement process to ensure proper function.
2. Clear the Area: When the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm or delivering a shock, make sure no one is touching the person. Announce “Clear!” loudly to warn others to step back. Touching the person during a shock can cause the rescuer or bystanders to receive an electric shock, which can be harmful. Always check to see that everyone is clear before pressing the shock button. If you’re unsure where to place AED pads, refer to the diagrams provided with the device or follow the voice prompts from the AED.
3. Remove Metal Objects and Medical Patches: If the person is wearing metal jewelry, a metal bra, or has a medical patch (like a nicotine or pain relief patch) on their chest, remove these items before using the AED. Metal objects and patches can conduct electricity and may cause burns or interfere with the AED’s function. Use a gloved hand or a cloth to remove patches to avoid contact with any medication.
4. Avoid Placing Pads Over Implanted Devices: Be mindful of implanted medical devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators. These devices are usually noticeable as small lumps under the skin, typically on the upper chest. Place AED pads at least one inch away from these devices to avoid interference. Positioning the pads correctly ensures the electric shock is delivered effectively.
5. Follow the AED Instructions Carefully: AEDs are designed to guide users through each step with voice prompts and visual cues. Listen carefully and follow the instructions exactly as given. This will help avoid mistakes, such as incorrect pad placement or delivering a shock when it’s not needed. Staying calm and focused is key to using an AED effectively.
6. Monitor and Continue Care: After using the AED, continue to monitor the person and provide care. If the person starts breathing or shows signs of life, place them in the recovery position and continue to monitor until emergency medical help arrives. If the person does not regain consciousness, continue CPR if you are trained, and follow the AED’s prompts for further shocks if needed.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to CPR Certification for Non-Medical Professionals

Risks Associated with Using an AED

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is generally safe and is designed to help save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. However, it’s important to be aware of some potential risks and how to minimize them. Understanding these risks can help you use an AED more effectively and confidently.

1. Electric Shock to the Rescuer or Bystanders: One of the main risks is accidentally shocking someone other than the person in cardiac arrest. To avoid this, make sure no one, including yourself, is touching the person when the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm or delivering a shock. Always clearly shout, “Clear!” to ensure everyone steps back before pressing the shock button.
2. Burns or Skin Irritation: The electric shock from an AED can cause mild burns or irritation on the skin where the pads are placed. This risk is minimal but can be reduced by ensuring the person’s chest is dry and that the pads are placed correctly. Always check the pads for any damage before using them and replace them if they are worn or outdated.
3. Interference with Medical Devices: AEDs may interfere with implanted medical devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. To minimize this risk, ensure that the BLS AED pad placement is at least one inch away from any visible medical device under the skin. The device will usually be a small lump on the upper chest. Placing the pads correctly ensures the AED can work effectively without interfering with the implanted device.
4. Improper Use: Using an AED incorrectly, such as placing the pads in the wrong position or failing to follow voice prompts, can reduce its effectiveness and may cause delays in delivering necessary shocks. It’s important to stay calm and follow the AED’s instructions closely. AEDs are designed to guide you through the process, so listen carefully to each step and act accordingly.

AED Training

Learning how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a valuable skill that can help save lives during cardiac emergencies. Here’s why taking up an AED training course is essential and what you can expect from it:

• Recognizing Cardiac Arrest: You’ll learn the signs of cardiac arrest, such as sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and abnormal breathing, so you can quickly identify when someone needs help.
• Using the AED: Training includes hands-on practice with AED devices, so you become familiar with AED placement on adult and following the voice prompts. This practical experience helps build confidence in using the device during real emergencies.
• Performing CPR: Many AED training courses also include CPR training. You’ll learn how to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths, which can help maintain blood flow to vital organs until the AED is ready to deliver a shock or emergency medical professionals arrive.
• Safety Precautions: You’ll be taught important safety measures, such as ensuring no one is touching the person when a shock is delivered and checking for wet conditions or metal objects that could interfere with the AED’s function.

Wrapping Up

Learning how to use an automated external defibrillator is a simple way to prepare yourself for emergencies. Cardiac arrest can strike without warning, but with an AED, you can respond quickly and effectively, increasing a person’s chances of survival. Understanding adult AED usage, the basic steps involved, and the safety precautions can make all the difference in critical moments.