Simple Steps in Using AEDs

Australia’s hospitals and ambulances are well equipped with AEDs and many establishments are investing in this life-saving device. In this blog, you will easily learn the steps in using AEDs. This could be one of your best skills to use for future emergencies.

What Are AEDs?

An AED, more commonly known as a defibrillator, is a lightweight portable electronic device. It can defibrillate or shock a heart having a cardiac arrest to restore a normal heart rhythm. It is designed to be user-friendly and commonly taught in first aid and basic life support CPR classes in Brisbane.

The portable device has a built-in computer and sensor that will check for the heart rhythm once placed on the patient’s chest and it will determine if defibrillation is required. Voice prompts are given to the user to follow and to streamline the defibrillation process.

Quick Facts about AED

• For every minute that early defibrillation is delayed, it reduces the person’s chances of survival 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 the current models are designed not to function unless an abnormal “shockable” heart rhythm is detected by the unit.
• AED use is not restricted to trained personnel – any first aider can use an AED.
• AED units can accurately identify the casualty’s cardiac rhythm whether it is ‘shockable’ or ‘non-shockable’.
• An AED is only to be applied to a non-breathing casualty.

How to Use an AED 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. 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: 

1. Immediately call 000 – It is very important to seek first for emergency services for them to be able to respond quickly at the scene.
2. Position the Patient – The patient must be lying on their back (supine position).
3. Start CPR Immediately – CPR should not be delayed while waiting for the AED to arrive.
4. 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.
5. Attach the Pads – Move any clothing out of the way of the casualty’s chest. If the casualty is wet or sweaty, remove any 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 chest, you will need to shave the hair on the chest first.
   Tear open the AED pad packets and remove them AED pads. Attach one pad to the casualty’s upper right chest, and the other to the casualty’s lower left chest – these positions will be labelled on the pads.
   Pads must adhere firmly to the chest, so it is important to roll the pads onto the chest so that there are no air pockets underneath the pads. Press the pads on firmly, including the edges of the pads. Avoid placing pads over any implantable devices – pads should be placed at least 8cm from the implant scar.
   Do not place pads over medication patches – remove the patches before continuing as these can block the current and cause burns to the casualty.
   If cables are not yet attached, plug the cables 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.
6. AED Will Analyse – If the AED determines that a shock is needed, move everyone away from the casualty. Another first aider continues CPR until the AED operator is ready to shock.
7. Press the ‘Shock’ Button – Make sure no one is touching the casualty and press the ‘Shock’  button, and then 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 instruct you that another shock is necessary. Continue CPR and AED until an ambulance arrives.

AED for Infants and Children

Standard adult AED pads are suitable for persons 8 years and older. For children under 8 years of age, paediatric pads should be used when available.

1. Immediately Call 000.
2. Position the Child – The child must be lying on their back (supine).
3. Start CPR immediately.
4. Turn on the AED.
5. Attach the Pads – If paediatric pads are not available, standard adult AED pads can be used. Ensure the pads do not touch each other on the child’s chest. If the pads are too large, there is a danger of pad-to-pad arcing. In this case, the pad placement is not the same as for adult AED. One pad needs to be placed in the centre of the chest, and the other on their back in the centre. This will be labelled on the pads.
6. AED Will Analyse – If the AED determines that a shock is needed, move everyone away from the casualty.
7. Press the ‘Shock’ Button – Make sure no one is touching the casualty and press the ‘Shock’  button, and then 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 instruct 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 may vary between brands.

Where to Buy Your Very Own AED?

CPR First Aid is a distributor of the Heartsine AEDs. It is important to talk to a seller that actually uses the AED, in order to understand it better. Please contact the office of CPR First Aid for your further questions and a quotation for the product.

AED/CPR Course You Might Be Interested In

CPR First Aid is glad to offer HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Brisbane, Australia. This is offered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) – which is regulated by 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) in line with the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines. This CPR update course 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 percent 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 to 70% to 80% when a defibrillator is used within five minutes. The ambulance response time for these kinds of crises is roughly 8 to 9 minutes which is why learning CPR and AED is very vital. Fortunately, this CPR first aid course is available in Brisbane. You may enrol and join us, maybe it’s about time to have your best skills that can be used for future emergencies.