AED Defibrillator
The AED Defibrillator
Automated External Defibrillators or AED’s are electronic devices that have the ability to diagnose life threatening conditions. The conditions are ventricular tachycardia; which is increased heart rate resulting from the lower chambers of the heart, ventricular fibrillation; which is even more acceleration of the heart muscle, and can treat these conditions through electrical stimulation, which can potentially stop the abnormal rhythm and allow the heart to reestablish it’s normal rhythm.
The devices were designed for use by laymen who have received training in their use. It is often taught to first responders such as fire fighters and police officers. There are some CPR classes and basic life support classes that also include the AED defibrillator training in their curriculum.
In each of the two conditions mentioned above, the heart is active but the dysfunctional pattern makes the condition life threatening. In ventricular tachycardia, the increased rate of the heart action disallows adequate blood flow from the heart to maintain life. In ventricular fibrillation, the rhythm is actually chaotic, and again the ventricle cannot effectively pump blood. The heart fibrillation may decrease over time, but along with this the heart will stop.
Video on how to use a defibrillator
The AED defibrillator is not designed to be used on patients with asystole, that is: a stopped heart. In this case the defibrillator will not prove successful. With the use of drugs and cardiopulmonary resuscitation a treatable rhythm may possibly be established. Either of these two conditions will eventually lead to permanent brain damage and even death if not treated promptly. Often continuing CPR until the AED defibrillator arrives will help save a life.
Each minute that the heart is not beating efficiently, the possibility of brain damage increases and survival chances are decreased.
AEDs’ can be placed in public areas where large numbers of people gather. These can be restaurants, rail stations, schools, gyms, or anywhere people have a tendency to congregate. Children as well as adults can have a cardiac arrest. Often you will see first responders or other professionals carrying them at sporting events, concerts, etc.
Emergency vehicles are now likely to have them available. Police or fire vehicles may have them to use until a manual defibrillator arrives. The more sophisticated manual defibrillator can act as a pacemaker if the need be present. The AED cannot. In recent years they are also present on ships, transportation facilities such as buses and on airplanes. Units have also been placed in homes with patients who have known existing tendencies towards these arrhythmias.
Automatic means the device can analyze the condition, assist with spoken messages and may also have visual display areas. The device will instruct the person using the machine to connect the pads to the patient. The AED defibrillator will assess the rhythm, and decide if it is a treatable arrhythmia. It will then use the internal battery to administer the shock. It is much safer and delivers a faster current to the victim.
When using the device it is important that anything metal be removed from the victim. This includes underwire bras, any piercings or other metal objects in pockets. This will keep misfiring of the device, and potential danger to the patient at a minimum. All people in the area must move away and not touch the victim as soon as the pads are placed on the chest. This can cause injury to the bystander during the process of defibrillation.
