Australia’s public places and establishments, such as hospitals, gyms, schools, and healthcare providers, are equipped with AEDs and place signages. In this blog, you will quickly learn the steps in using AED. This could be one of your best skills for future emergencies that you can master through first aid training.
What is an AED?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable electronic device. The American Red Cross explains that it can defibrillate or shock a heart in cardiac arrest to restore a normal heart rhythm. It is designed to be user-friendly and is commonly taught in first aid and essential life support CPR classes in Brisbane.
The portable device has a built-in computer and sensor that will check for the heart rhythm and determine if defibrillation is required once placed on the patient’s chest. Voice prompts are given to the user to follow and streamline the defibrillation process.
Anwers to the FAQs about the Automatic External Defibrillator
- For every minute that early defibrillation is delayed, the person’s chances of survival are reduced by 10%. This is why it is so important to call 000 if a cardiac arrest is suspected. A defibrillator is necessary to reverse this process and ‘reboot’ the heart back into its normal cycle.
- An AED can be used effectively with minimal training, as all current models are designed to function only if the unit detects an abnormal “shockable” heart rhythm.
- AED use is not restricted to trained personnel – any first aider can use an AED.
- AED defibrillator units can accurately identify whether the casualty’s cardiac rhythm is ‘shockable’ or ‘non-shockable’.
- An AED is only to be applied to a non-breathing casualty.
Steps in Using AEDs on Adults, Children and Infants
Sudden cardiac arrest may happen to adults and even in children and infants. One must be familiar with how to use AEDs for adults, children, and infants. So you can provide the necessary compressions while waiting for medical professionals. Know the similarities and differences of the procedure in using AEDs.
AED for Adults
Once it is determined that the patient is unconscious and not breathing after having a suspected cardiac arrest, follow these simple steps and reminders:
- Immediately call Triple Zero for the St John ambulance. It is essential to seek emergency services first so that they can respond quickly at the scene.
- Position the Patient – The patient must be lying on their back (supine position).
- Start CPR Immediately – CPR should not be delayed while waiting for the AED and first responder to arrive.
- Turn on the AED – As soon as the AED arrives, turn on the AED and follow the voice or display commands. If possible, have a second person complete the AED aspects while the first person continues with CPR.
- Attach the Pads – Where should AED pads be placed on adults? Move any clothing out of the way of the casualty’s chest. If the casualty is wet or sweaty, remove moisture with something dry before placing the AED pads on the casualty. If the casualty has a lot of body hair and the pads don’t stick to the bare chest, you must first shave the hair on the chest.
Tear open the AED pad packets and remove the pads. Attach one pad to the casualty’s upper right chest and the other to the casualty’s lower left chest—the pads will label these positions.
Pads must adhere firmly to the chest, so it is important to roll them onto the chest so there are no air pockets underneath them. Press the pads on firmly, including the edges of the pads. Avoid placing pads over implantable devices—pads should be placed at least 8cm from the implant scar.
Do not place pads over medication patches—remove them before continuing, as they can block the current and cause burns to the casualty.
If cables are not yet attached, plug the wires from the pads into the unit (most units already have this ready for use).
Warning: Do not put or place the electrodes or connected pads together or allow them to touch if the AED is ‘on’. This may complete a circuit and cause electrocution. - AED Will Analyse—If the AED defibrillator determines that a shock is needed, move everyone away from the casualty. Another first aider will continue CPR until the AED operator is ready to shock.
- Press the ‘Shock’ Button—Make sure no one touches the casualty, press the ‘Shock’ button, and let the AED re-analyse. Follow the instructions of the AED. You may be instructed to commence CPR; DO NOT remove the pads. The AED unit may advise you that another shock is necessary. Continue CPR and AED until an ambulance arrives.
First-aid training courses and BLS (basic life support training) let you practice using a machine to respond to cardiac arrest (ventricular fibrillation). This allows anyone, even bystanders, to learn how to apply electric shock using any brand of semi-automatic defibrillator. Zoll AED 3, Zoll AED Plus, Philips Heartstart, and Lifepak are some choices.
AED for Infants and Children
Standard adult AED pads are suitable for people eight and older. When available, paediatric pads should be used for children under 8.
- Immediately Call 000 for a rescuer.
- Position the Child – The child must be lying on their back (supine).
- Start CPR immediately.
- Turn on the AED.
- Attach the Pads – Standard adult AED pads can be used if paediatric pads are unavailable. Ensure the electrode pads do not touch each other on the child’s chest. If the pads are too large, pad-to-pad arcing is dangerous. In this case, the pad placement is different for adult AED. One pad must be placed in the centre of the chest, and the other on the back in the centre. This will be labelled on the pads.
- AED Will Analyse – If the AED determines that a shock is needed, move everyone away from the casualty.
- Press the ‘Shock’ Button—Make sure no one touches the casualty, press the ‘Shock’ button, and let the AED re-analyse. Follow the instructions of the AED. You may be instructed to commence CPR; DO NOT remove the pads. The AED unit may advise you that another shock is necessary. Continue CPR and AED until an ambulance arrives.
NOTE: Always refer to the manufacturer’s directions/ guidelines, as they vary between brands.
Enrolling in AED training may be ideal for performing the above steps.
Where to Buy Your Very Own AED?
CPR First Aid distributes Heartsine Samaritan AEDs, which have an eight-year warranty. It is essential to talk to a seller who uses the AED to understand it better. Please get in touch with the CPR First Aid office for further questions and a quote for the product. Checkout of the product, including other items such as first aid kits, is available on the company’s website.
AED/CPR Course You Might Be Interested In
CPR First Aid is glad to offer HLTAID009 for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Brisbane, Australia. The organisation is under the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), which regulates first-aid course providers in Brisbane.
What is the HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation First Aid Course?
This course provides the skills and knowledge required to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines. It is the most recent version of what is often referred to as the CPR Update or CPR Refresher.
Here’s Why Defibrillators are Important
Given that 68.5 per cent of the 456,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests take place at home, having an AED available at all times increases your chances of rescuing a loved one.
Without a defibrillator, there is a 6–10% survival probability for cardiac arrest in Australia.
However, the survival probability increases from 70% to 80% when a defibrillator is used within five minutes. The ambulance response time for these crises is roughly 8 to 9 minutes, so learning CPR and AED is vital. Fortunately, this course is available in Brisbane. You may enroll and join us, maybe it’s about time to have your best skills that can be used for future emergencies.