aedguide.info

aedguide.info

AED stands for automated external defibrillator. AEDs are portable devices that can be used for emergency treatment of cardiac arrest. They have been popularized in many movies and television shows. Scenes usually involve a paramedic yelling “clear!” before administering a shock to the chest of a patient. Though this is not exactly how they actually work, the media exposure has done a good job of raising awareness about the existence of AEDs and their medical application.

AED procedures are now taught in many first aid classes.

How Do AEDs Work?
AEDs are designed to re-start the heartbeat in someone who has experienced cardiac arrest. They send an e ... (more)

AED stands for automated external defibrillator. AEDs are portable devices that can be used for emergency treatment of cardiac arrest. They have been popularized in many movies and television shows. Scenes usually involve a paramedic yelling “clear!” before administering a shock to the chest of a patient. Though this is not exactly how they actually work, the media exposure has done a good job of raising awareness about the existence of AEDs and their medical application.

AED procedures are now taught in many first aid classes.

How Do AEDs Work?
AEDs are designed to re-start the heartbeat in someone who has experienced cardiac arrest. They send an electric shock to the heart which serves to clear out all electrical activity inside it and allows it to synch up its normal beating once again.

AEDs are unique because they are designed to be used against the bare chest of a patient, hence the “external” part of automated external defibrillator. There are two types of AEDs: automatic and semi-automatic. The difference between the two is whether the user has to press a button in order to deliver the shock. In all cases, when the shock is being delivered, everyone but the patient should stand well clear. Movies and TV shows that depict a paramedic holding onto an AED when it delivers a shock are showing an incorrect and potentially dangerous use of the AED.

When Should An AED Be Used?
If a person has no electrical activity in their heart (i.e. they are “flatlining”), an AED will not work. The patient must still have at least some activity (i.e. it is beating in an unusual pattern, which is potentially fatal).

AEDs And Liability
Most states now have Good Samaritan laws in place that protect anyone who tries to help a patient by using an AED. If the patient is not revived or if he or she is accidentally harmed by the AED, you will not be held accountable (assuming there is such a law in place in your state). In most states, even untrained people aren’t liable if they attempt to provide first aid using an AED.


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