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?

AEDs are used to resuscitate people who have had a sudden cardiac arrest. This generally happens when the electrical activity of the heart is disrupted, resulting in a dangerously rapid heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia) or a fast and irregular pulse (ventricular fibrillation). Your heart won't pump adequately and may possibly stop if you have one of these abnormal heart rhythms.

If you don't get treatment within minutes, your brain and other essential organs won't get the blood and oxygen they require, and you might die. The sooner your heart's regular rhythm is restored, the more likely your brain and other organs will be spared serious harm.

If you're suffering ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia and an AED is available, a bystander or a family member can use it to shock your heart back to a normal rhythm, perhaps saving your life.

After a cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can maintain blood flowing to your heart and brain for a short period. Defibrillation is often the only way to restore the heart's regular rhythm. These medicines, when used together, can increase your chances of survival.

How To Use An AED

If you notice someone who has passed out and think he or she might need an AED, call 911 immediately first.
  1. Check for a pulse and to see if the person is breathing.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

If you purchase an AED for your house, make sure your family, friends, and guests are aware of its location and how to use it. You must also properly maintain it. Here are some pointers on how to buy and maintain your house in AED.

  • 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.
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