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What is an AED?
You're not alone in asking what an AED is and why they appear to be in almost every workplace and public facility. In fact, because these gadgets are now widely available, more individuals are interested in them than ever before. So, what exactly is an AED?
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, a medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
Why You Should Learn To Use An AED
In the United States, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the top causes of mortality. This year, more than 350,000 individuals will die of cardiac arrest. Using an AED is currently the sole option to restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest
Of course, you may – and should – seek the help of qualified medical personnel. Because the typical response time for first responders after 911 is 8-12 minutes, and each minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces the chances of life by around 10%, having access to and understanding how to use an AED is crucial.
There are many resources and classes online for you to learn how to use an AED. The Red Cross offers in-person and online classes to get certified in CPR and AED
When is an AED needed?
How To Use An AED
- Check for a pulse and to see if the person is breathing.
- Switch on the AED. The automatic external defibrillator will offer you verbal instructions on how to check for breathing and a pulse, as well as where to place electrode pads on the person's chest.
- Deliver a shock. When the pads are in place, the AED detects the person's cardiac rhythm and determines whether or not a shock is required. If that's the case, the machine instructs the user to take a step back and press a button to initiate the shock. If a shock isn't required, the AED is set to not give one.
- If CPR is required after the shock, begin immediately. The AED will also instruct people on how to perform CPR. The procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary until emergency responders arrive.
AED tips for proper use and maintenance
- Purchase an AED that has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. A list of FDA authorized AED devices can be found on our website.
- Perform a practice run with the AED as if it were a true emergency. Because the AED only works on specific forms of cardiac arrest, those who may need to use it should be aware of what to do if the device indicates that a shock isn't required but the individual remains unresponsive.
- Keep your AED in a convenient location. Ascertain that family, friends, and visitors are aware of its location.
- Find out everything you need to know. Consider enrolling yourself and anybody else who might need to use your home AED in a community education program, such as those offered by the American Red Cross, to learn how to correctly operate your AED and conduct CPR.
- Perform a practice run with the AED as if it were a true emergency. Because the AED only works on specific forms of cardiac arrest, those who may need to use it should be aware of what to do if the device indicates that a shock isn't required but the individual remains unresponsive.
- Maintain the AED by replacing the electrode pads as required and installing new batteries as needed, which should be done every four years. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have extra aed pads on hand.
- Purchase the appropriate AED for your needs. Whether it's an automatic or semi-automatic AED code1supply has a large selection of AEDs for you to buy.
