What does AED stand for?

An automated external defibrillator, also known as an AED, is used in emergency situations where someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest in adults is among the leading causes of death in the United States. AEDs are small easy-to-use devices used for delivering a shock to the heart, known as defibrillation, to the affected person.

That electrical shock assists in re-establishing the heart’s proper rhythm. The two abnormal heart rhythms that an AED can recognize are ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Both heart rhythms can be deadly if not dealt with within a few minutes of occurring.

How does an AED work?

If this situation does occur and there is an AED nearby, make sure to remove the afflicted person from standing water or metal surfaces. Also take note not to place the AED pads on top of a pacemaker scar. Remember to remove any sort of medication patches on their chest relating to a pacemaker as well. The next step is to turn the machine on.

• Place one pad on the person’s right chest above the nipple and the other on the person’s lower left ribs below their armpit after their skin is wiped dry if needed and if excessive hair has been removed. The pads must be pressed down firmly for the machine to accurately read a heartbeat.
• Next, follow the AED prompts that show up on the screen; do not touch the patient once the AED begins to analyze the heart rhythm. If the AED prompts you to use an electrical shock and is charging, shout “Clear!” and make sure the patient is not being touched.
• Push the shock button as soon as the AED tell you to do so. If a shock is not advised by the AED, CPR should be used if the patient is not breathing or moving. Do not turn the machine off, the AED will analyze the patient every two minutes thereafter until help arrives.

Businesses and facilities carry AED devices due to the fact that the average response time for first responders to arrive is 7-14 minutes, with 1 out of 10 instances taking 30 minutes or more. Every minute that passes without the aid of defibrillation, the chance of survival diminishes by 10 percent.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere which is why AEDs are such a valuable first-aid resource for any facility—it can save a life. The American Red Cross offers AED/CPR training for anyone interested in becoming certified.

These courses are designed to teach people how to respond to emergencies where a person may be experiencing cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions. AED/CPR training courses typically cover a variety of topics to help individuals and businesses foster emergency preparedness. Upon completing the training course, students will receive a certificate that demonstrates their proficiency in performing CPR and using an AED.

Access to these courses are readily available across the country

FAQs

Q: What is an AED and when is it used?

A: An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a small device that can deliver an electric shock to the heart of a person who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart stops beating normally and cannot pump blood to the body. According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest in adults is among the leading causes of death in the United States. An AED can recognize two types of abnormal heart rhythms that cause sudden cardiac arrest: ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. An AED can restore the normal rhythm of the heart by delivering a shock, also known as defibrillation. An AED should be used as soon as possible after sudden cardiac arrest occurs, along with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the person is not breathing or moving.

Q: How does an AED work?

A: An AED is easy to use and has voice and visual prompts that guide the user through the steps. The basic steps for using an AED are as follows:

1. Make sure the person is in a safe place, away from water or metal surfaces. Remove any clothing or jewelry from their chest. If they have a pacemaker or medication patch, do not place the AED pads over them.
2. Turn on the AED and follow the instructions. Attach the pads to the person’s chest: one pad on the right side above the nipple, and one pad on the lower left side below the armpit. Press the pads firmly to make good contact with the skin.
3. Let the AED analyze the person’s heart rhythm. Do not touch the person while the AED is analyzing. If the AED advises a shock, make sure no one is touching the person and shout “Clear!” before pushing the shock button.
4. If a shock is not advised, or after delivering a shock, check if the person is breathing or moving. If not, start CPR and follow the AED prompts. Do not turn off the AED until emergency help arrives.

Q: Why are AEDs important for businesses and facilities?

A: AEDs are important for businesses and facilities because they can save lives in case of sudden cardiac arrest. The chances of survival for a person who suffers sudden cardiac arrest decrease by 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation. The average response time for first responders to arrive is 7-14 minutes, with 1 out of 10 instances taking 30 minutes or more. Therefore, having an AED on site can make a significant difference in saving someone’s life. AEDs are also easy to use and do not require special training or certification to operate. However, businesses and facilities should follow some best practices for maintaining and using their AEDs, such as checking them regularly, storing them in accessible locations, and informing their staff and customers about their availability.

Q: How can I learn to use an AED and perform CPR?

A: The American Red Cross offers AED/CPR training courses for anyone interested in becoming certified in these lifesaving skills. These courses are designed to teach people how to respond to emergencies where a person may be experiencing cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions. The courses cover topics such as how to recognize an emergency, how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants, how to use an AED, how to assist a choking victim, and how to prevent disease transmission. The courses are available online or in person at various locations across the country. Upon completing the course, students will receive a certificate that demonstrates their proficiency in performing CPR and using an AED.