How to Use an AEDAutomated External Defibrillator

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How to use an AED

1. Turn on AED2. Place pads on victim3. Analyze the heart rhythm4. Shock if prompted

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1. Turn on the AED

Follow the voice and / or visual commands

AED’s can be turned on with either:-

• A button

• OR BY

• Opening clear face plate

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2. Expose chest

• Remove any medication patches• Make sure chest is clean and dry

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3. To Attach Pads• First:• Remove pads from packet• Remove backing, one at a time, from pads,

then

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3a. Attach Pads

1. One pad goes on the upper right chest below collarbone.

2. One pad goes on lower left side chest wall.

4. Plug in Connector

• If necessary plug in pad connector to unit.

• There is a flashing light beside the slot.

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5. Stay Clear

• Make sure nobody , including yourself, is touching the victim.

Say “Everyone stand clear!”

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6a. Analyze the Rhythm

• Once the pads are in place the AED will “analyze” the heart rhythm.

• Some AEDs require a button to be pressed to analyze.

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6b. Analyze the Rhythm

• There are 4 electrical rhythms that the heart can be in when the heart stops beating.

• Only 2 of these rhythms are shockable.• If “shock advised”, shock victim and start CPR• The other 2 are non shockable.• If “No shock advised” then start CPR

7. Deliver Shock

If AED Prompts a Shock • Make sure no one is touching victim

• Push the “shock” button• (some AEDs will shock automatically)

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8. After Shock

• Do not turn off AED….

• It is now safe to touch Pads and patient

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9. Perform CPR

• After shock, or if no shock is advised, continue CPR.

• Every 2 minutes follow the AED prompts

• Stop CPR if you see signs of life– (breathing, movement.)

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10. Special Circumstances For:

1. AED and children2. AED and wet person3. AED and hairy chest4. AED and pacemaker5. AED and bras6. AED and jewelry

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11a. AED and Children

• AEDs can be used on children as young as newborns

• Some AEDs have child pads• Use child pads if child is younger than 8 and

less than 55 lbs• If no child pads ,adult pads may be used

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11b. AED and Children

Pad Placement in Children• Follow manufacturer directions• One pad goes in center of chest and 2nd pad

goes on center of victim’s upper back

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Chest

12. AED and Wet Person

• Dry off victims chest (and back if a child under age 8.)

• Attach pads following manufacturer directions• The rest of the victim does not need to be dry.• AEDs can be used on wet surfaces and snow

so long as patient is dry and not in a puddle of water.

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13. AED and Hairy Chest

• AED may not stick to victim with hairy chest.• Some AEDs a have a razor in the kit• Shave ONLY the area of chest that pads will attach to• Wipe off hair and attach pads• If no razor present attach pads to chest and see if AED will work• If AED does not work continue CPR

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14. AED and pacemaker

• Pacemakers are located under the collarbone on right or left side of chest

• If located on right side place AED pad 1 inch below pacemaker

• Continue with AED prompts

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15. AED and Bras

• Many bras contain metal (Clips, underwire)

• Remove / cut bra if AED pads will touch the metal

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16. AED and Jewelry

• Ignore jewelry if it will not touch AED pad• If in the way push jewelry to side of neck

away from AED pads.

• Do not waste time removing jewelry

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First Response Training, LLC

• First Response Training, LLC is a privately owned business that teaches CPR, First Aid and other medical courses for the medical and non medical communities.

• Please visit us on the web at

www.gotcpr.us Conor Deveryowner