Automated
External Defibrillator helps in the process of defibrillation that involves
application of electric shocks to the chest of a victim of cardiac arrest. The
device can stabilize the condition of a victim by normalizing the abnormal
heart rhythm that caused cardiac arrest in the person in the first place.
Training in how to use an AED device is imparted in the CPR classes itself.
For CPR Overland Park Kansas, you can sign
up for a program at the AHA accredited CPR Kansas City. Both theoretical and
practical training are imparted to the students.
Read on to know more about how to use
an AED device:
AED’S should
be used right away when there is an emergency. The higher will be the chances
of survival of the victim, the quicker you get the defibrillator hooked up to
the person. During cardiac emergency, one person should perform CPR while the
other person should locate an AED. Also make sure to call the emergency medical
services by dialing 911.
Prepare:
During an
emergency, assess the emergency and call emergency response. Once an AED is
brought to the scene, the right way to use it:
1. Place the AED by the victim’s
shoulder,
2. Position the victim away from contact
with metal or water. Make sure the scene is safe; no toxic or flammable fumes,
keep the victim away from water (this may come into play if the victim is
pulled from a pool or pond, etc.)
3. If the victim is wet, dry the chest
area.
4. Turn on the AED by pressing the power
button (which is usually colored green)
It is an
easy-to-use device because once the AED is on, the device will instruct you
through the process with words.
AED’s can be
used on adults, children, and infants. The placement of the pads is different
depending on the age of the victim and the pads will have a diagram letting you
know where to put the pads. Age groups are defined as:
Infant– Birth to one year old. One pad is
placed on the chest and the other on the back with the heart between them.
Child– One year old until the age of 8.
Pads go on the upper right chest area and lower left side with the heart
directly between them.
Adult– Older than 8. Pads go on the upper
right chest area and lower left side with the heart directly between them.
Cardiac
arrest causes loss of heart function and a person can survive only for a few
minutes. With the heart not beating, the blood is not being able to flow to the
brain or other vital organs. Cardiac arrest mainly occurs due to an abnormal
heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. The AED uses an electric shock to
start the heart beating again and is meant to be used during CPR. In most
cases, the electric shock should immediately be followed by CPR chest
compressions.
AED’S are
portable devices that can be found in most public places such as malls,
airports, schools, office buildings, etc. so that people can get easy access to
them during an emergency.
For more information or to join a CPR program,
call CPR Kansas City on 913-998-7499.
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