Posts Tagged ‘Defibrillator’
How to Use an AED: CPR Courses in Rancho Cordova, CA
AED Certification Classes
The procedures for using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are fairly simple. The first step is to prepare the heart attack victim for the AED pads. Position the patient so they’re lying on their back; if you’ve already been administering CPR they’ll be on their back already.
AEDs can be used while the patient is lying on a wet surface but you don’t want them in standing water. Think of the wet walkways around public swimming pools. The patient could be lying on the walkway, but you don’t want them in the pool. They can also be lying on metal such as grating, but you don’t want the pads to be touching any metal.
The next step is to bare the patient’s chest. Time is of the essence so act quickly. Remove the outer clothing and the undergarments, including bras, to bare the patient’s chest. Tear or cut the clothes if necessary. If the patient’s chest is wet dry it so the pads will stick.
Some men are too hairy for the pads to stick to their skin; they’ll need to have some hair removed. Some people carry razors with their AEDs for that reason. Another option is to use duct tape and rip the hair out. Remember, the patient has suffered a heart attack and you’re trying to save their life, the quicker you can defibrillate the heart the better their chances of survival are. You won’t hurt them by preparing them for defibrillation.
If the patient has a medicine patch on their chest remove it and wipe all of the medicine off. Lumps on the chest coupled with a surgical scar indicate implanted medical devices such as pacemakers. Make sure the pads are placed at least one inch away from those implants.
The AED pads have a diagram of a human torso on their backsides that show their proper placement. Use the diagram and place the pads accordingly. As already noted if you need to adjust their placement because of medical implants go ahead and do so.
The AED should be placed on the same side of the patient that you’re on so that you don’t accidently touch them by leaning over them to operate it. After placing the pads plug them into the AED, some come with the pads already connected so that won’t be necessary. Then push the on/off button to turn the AED on and make sure that no one touches the patient unless you’re instructed to do so. The AED literally talks to you.
Some AEDs will tell you when to deliver a shock by pushing a button; others will deliver the shock themselves. All you need to do is follow the instructions.
After delivering a shock the AED will monitor the patient. You may be told to administer conventional CPR, or to deliver another shock.
This can be a lifesaving procedure and all people are encouraged to get trained in the use of AEDs through the American Red Cross or the Rancho Cordova AHA CPR Classes, other reputable first aid training organizations.