Chapter 6Automated External Defibrillation

Public Access Defibrillation• A person’s chance of survival dramatically

improves through: – Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – Early defibrillation with the use of an

automated external defibrillator (AED)

Public Access Defibrillation• AED must be used in first few minutes to

be effective.• AEDs are available in many public places.

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How the Heart Works

• An organ with four hollow chambers− Two chambers on the right; two chambers on

the left• Has unique electrical system• Contracts approximately every second

How the Heart Works

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Interruption to Normal Electrical Activity

• Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)− Most common abnormal heart rhythm in

cases of sudden cardiac arrest in adults− The organized wave of electrical impulses is

lost.

From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, Courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.

Interruption to Normal Electrical Activity

• Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)− Heart beats too fast to pump blood.

From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, Courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.

Care for Cardiac Arrest

• Time is crucial.• CPR is the initial

care.

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About AEDs

• Electronic device− Analyzes the heart rhythm.− Delivers an electric shock if necessary.− Corrects one of the abnormal electrical

disturbances.

About AEDs

• Attaches to person’s chest• Built-in rhythm analysis system• Records person’s heart

rhythm, shock data, and other information

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About AEDs

• Common elements− On/off mechanism− Cable and pads − Analysis capability− Defibrillation capability− Prompts− Battery operation for

portability

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© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Using an AED

• Only use if the person is unresponsive and not breathing.

• Power on the AED.

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Using an AED

• Expose the person’s chest.• Apply the pads to the person’s chest.

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Using an AED

• Stand clear.• If advised, press

the shock button.• Perform CPR.• Follow the device

prompts.

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© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Special Considerations

• Water− Remove person

from water.− Dry person’s chest.

• Children− May have special

pediatric pads

© Cardiac Science Corporation.

Special Considerations

• Medication patches− Remove prior to attaching AED.

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Special Considerations

• Implanted devices– Pacemakers– Defibrillators

− Avoid placing electrode pads over devices.

− Allow the unit to stop before using the AED. © American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

AED Maintenance

• AEDs should be inspected periodically to ensure proper working condition and to ensure that proper supplies are available.

© American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

AED Supplies

• Supplies− Two sets of electrode pads− Extra battery− Razor− Hand towel− Breathing device− Exam gloves

AED Manufacturers

• AED devices and related supplies are available from different manufacturers.

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