Do I need to remove the electrode pads before performing CPR? Patches should always be removed and the skin wiped dry before placing electrode pads on the skin. Never place AED electrode pads directly on top of medication patches, such as nitroglycerin. What if the victim has a medication patch on where I want to place the electrode pads? Basic precautions, such as verbally warning others to stand clear and visually checking the area before and during the shock, can maximize the safety of rescuers. The electric shock is designed to go from one electrode pad to another through the victim's chest. Can I accidentally shock another rescuer or myself?ĪEDs are extremely safe when used properly. However, most states have passed "Good Samaritan" legislation protecting the lay rescuer from lawsuits. In the US it's not possible to prevent being sued. CPR also makes the heart more likely to respond to defibrillation. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of heart muscle. If defibrillation is so important, why should I do CPR?ĬPR provides some circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the victim's heart and brain. Once the AED is present, apply the electrode pads to the victim's bare chest, and follow the AED’s voice prompts and messages. Should I perform CPR first or apply electrode pads from the AED? The most difficult part is recognizing the need for defibrillation. The ZOLL® AED Plus® provides visual and audio prompts to guide you through the entire resuscitation process. The steps for shocking an SCA victim are simple and straightforward. What if I forget the steps for using an AED? Therefore the probability of harming an unresponsive victim who is not breathing is significantly outweighed by the probability of saving such a victim. When used on people who are unresponsive and not breathing, the Food and Drug Administration has found all AEDs available in the U.S. What is an AED?Īn AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that analyzes and looks for shockable heart rhythms, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation, and delivers a shock if needed. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can defibrillate the heart. This current helps the heart reorganize the electrical activity so it can pump blood again. The electrical current passes through the heart with the goal of stopping the VF and providing an opportunity for the heart's normal electrical system to take control. Defibrillation is an electrical current applied to the chest. The only effective treatment for VF is an electrical shock called defibrillation. VF is short lived and will deteriorate to asystole (a flat line) if not treated promptly. VF is chaotic and unorganized the heart quivers and cannot effectively pump blood. This rhythm is caused by abnormal and very fast electrical activity in the heart. VF is an abnormal heart rhythm often seen in SCA. While the average age of SCA victims is about 65, SCA is unpredictable and can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. SCA results in death if not treated immediately. However, SCA may occur independently from a heart attack and without warning signs. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes will lead to SCA. Heart attack victims usually (but not always) experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. A heart attack is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, resulting in the death of the heart muscle. This is usually caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) simply means that the heart unexpectedly and abruptly stops beating. Public Access Defibrillation and AEDs: Frequently Asked Questions What is sudden cardiac arrest?
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