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AEDs

By Bill, posted

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is the only proven method of treating a sudden cardiac arrest. When used in conjunction with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) survival rates of up to 75% have been reported (Resuscitation Council UK).

Early defibrillation has the power to restart the heart's electrical rhythm and initiate the breathing response. The machines availability can be dependant on bystanders, geographic location and other social and demographic factors.

Aed Defib

The Machine

Modern AEDs are robust, easy to use and cannot cause harm to a breathing casualty. The machine can analyse the heart's rhythm in order to initiate a further response. Two types of of rhythm are shockable, whereby the machine can charge itself to deliver an electrical shock across the heart.

Sadly the AED is not the answer in all types of cardiac arrest where the heart may be in a non shockable rhythm (eg through breathing problems). The machine will respond by asking the bystander to continue with CPR, which can preserve the casualty's body whilst awaiting the arrival of medical professionals.

Current Protocol

Witnesses of sudden cardiac arrest should initiate the ‘chain of survival’, calling the emergency services as soon as possible:

“Hello, Location, Someone has stopped breathing”

Shout for help and get any bystanders to fetch the AED. When alone retrieve the unit yourself as it is likely to provide the key to saving the casualty's life.

During the intervening period good quality CPR is proven to prevent the casualty's condition from worsening. CPR or compression only CPR should continue until the machine has arrived, unpacked and the pads are ready to go on the casualty's chest.

Follow the voice prompts from the AED and place the pads on the casualty’s chest as per the diagram on them. Press the shock button when prompted and make sure all bystanders stand away from the casualty.

Continue with CPR until normal breathing resumes or the machine prompts another shock.

Helpful Hint

“Remember it is the responsibility of the bystander and not the machine to know when the casualty has recovered”

Look out for signs of life by looking, listening and feeling for breaths. Other signs include coughing, natural movements and the reverse of cyanosis (blue / grey tinge to skin).

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