When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their chances of survival decrease by 10% with every minute that passes. That’s why it’s so important for first responders to know how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as quickly as possible. This blog post will discuss using AED safely and provide tips for first responders. Stay safe and be prepared!
What Are AEDs?
An AED, more commonly known as a defibrillator, is a lightweight, portable electronic device. 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 Liverpool.
Once placed on the patient’s chest, the portable device has a computer and sensor that checks the heart rhythm and determines if defibrillation is required. Voice prompts are given to the user to follow and streamline the defibrillation process.
Quick Facts about AED
- Every minute that early defibrillation is delayed 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 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 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.
AED Safety
An AED, just like any electrical appliance, has safety precautions to prevent injury. The AED operator is responsible for keeping all persons from touching the casualty when a shock is delivered. State a ‘clear’ message. For example, roar, “Don’t touch the casualty”, or “Stand clear”. Look to ensure that no one touches the casualty before pressing the shock button.
The AED should never be connected to anyone other than a casualty in cardiac arrest, nor should an AED be attached to a person for training or demonstration purposes.
Beware of Water
Ensure the casualty’s chest area is dry. Do not use an AED if the casualty is in water. Water is an effective electricity transmitter, and the shock may be transmitted to the AED operator.
AED Storage
The AED should be easily accessible, visible, and located where it will most likely be needed. It should not be locked away or inaccessible. It is best stored in a dry and dust-free environment.
Ensure all staff and visiting workers know the AED’s location in a facility. A sign should indicate this.
AED Maintenance
AEDs require little maintenance. If the pads have been used, they need immediate replacement. Expired batteries, pads, and other consumable items (e.g., shears, towels, and plastic gloves) should be replaced according to expiration dates (usually 3-5 years). In all cases, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.
All currently available AEDs perform regular self-checks; if a problem is detected, it will be indicated. In most cases, they show this by a warning sign or light visible on the front of the machine or by an audible alert, much the same as a failing smoke detector battery. Those owning or maintaining an AED should have a process in place for it to be checked regularly and frequently (ideally daily) and for appropriate action to be taken when necessary.
How often should defibrillators be checked? Despite the handy self-checks current AEDs do, it is still a good practice to check them manually every week.
Considerations in Using AED
There are important considerations when using AEDs. If you are planning to buy one or you are already an owner of AED, you need to take note of these considerations:
Environmental Considerations
- Do not use an AED near flammable or combustible materials.
- It is safe to use an AED when a person is lying on a metal surface, but the AED pads should not contact the metal surface.
- Do not use an AED if the person is in or near water. Avoid getting the AED wet.
- It is safe to use AEDs in all weather conditions. If possible, provide a dry environment before using AED. Remove the person’s wet clothing and wipe the chest dry before placing the AED pads.
Person-Specific Considerations
- It is safe to use an AED on a pregnant woman.
- If the person has a pacemaker or ICD, adjust pad placement to avoid placing the AED pads directly over the device. Healthcare professionals should learn from their healthcare education how to determine if a person uses a pacemaker or ICD.
- Remove any transdermal medication patches (e.g. nitroglycerin) that you see before using an AED. Wear gloves when removing these patches.
- If the person has thick chest hair that interferes with pad-to-skin contact, quickly shave the areas where the pads will be placed.
Can I Enroll in a CPR Course in Liverpool?
CPR First Aid is glad to offer 
HLTAID009, which Provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Liverpool, Australia. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)- regulated first aid course providers in Liverpool offer this course.
What is the 
HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation First Aid Course?
This course provides the skills and knowledge required to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) per 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.
Conclusion
AEDs are designed to warn users to stay clear of the victim while the shock is delivered, making them safe to use. Ensure you maintain and store the AED properly to achieve its optimum performance. Learn how to be a first responder and perform safely in an emergency with us. You may check our website for our first aid training options and to enrol now in Liverpool.