Table of Contents
When should you not use an AED?
When is it Not Safe to Use an AED? Do not use an AED if the person is lying in water, covered in water or their chest is too wet from sweat. Do not place an AED pad over a medication patch or over a pacemaker. Do not use an AED on a child younger than 12 months without adequate training.
What are indications for use of an AED?
An automated external defibrillator is used in cases of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias which lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which is not the same as a heart attack. The rhythms that the device will treat are usually limited to: Pulseless Ventricular tachycardia (shortened to VT or V-Tach)
Is AED contraindicated with pacemaker?
No. External defibrillation may still be necessary for a person with a pacemaker. If the implanted pacemaker delivers a low-energy shock while you are attempting to use an AED or another defibrillator, you simply wait for 30 to 60 seconds for the pacemaker to complete its therapy cycle before administering the shock.
Is a weak pulse a contraindication for AED?
No, it can’t. An AED cannot detect a normal rhythm or pulse.
What are two special considerations when using an AED?
There are several special circumstances to consider when using an AED.
- Excessive chest hair. If the victim has a hairy chest you will need to remove the hair prior to placing the AED pads on the victim’s chest.
- Medication Patches.
- Water and/or sweat.
- Pacemakers or Defibrillators.
- Fully Automated AED.
What are some special considerations for AED use and general principles that apply to the use of an AED?
AEDs – Special Circumstances
- Hairy Chest. For an AED to work properly, the pads must have appropriate contact with the skin.
- Patient in Water. The first thing to do if the victim is found in water is to move them to a dry, safe place.
- Pacemaker or Implantable Defibrillator.
- Medication Patches.
What is AED and the importance and indication?
An AED is a device used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. Built-in computers assess the patient’s heart rhythm, judge whether defibrillation is needed, and then administer a shock if needed. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user through the process.
Who can use an AED?
AEDs are designed to be used by non-medical personnel, such as firefighters, police officers, lifeguards, flight attendants, security guards, teachers, family members of high-risk persons, and bystanders. That includes you! Anyone can use (and should use) an AED in the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Why should you not use an AED on a patient with a pacemaker?
Most likely, if the person with the pacemaker has suffered a cardiac arrest, their pacemaker is already not working. The concerns are that the Automatic External Defibrillator will interfere with the pacemaker and that the heart will not be able to resume its normal function.
Can you use an AED on a patient with a transdermal medication patch?
AED electrodes should not be placed over a transdermal medication patches (e.g., a patch of nitroglycerin, nicotine, pain medication, hormone replacement therapy, or antihypertensive medication) as the patch may block the transfer of the energy to the heart and may cause small burns to the skin.
What are 5 things you do not do while using an AED on a person?
You should avoid administering electric shock if:
- The Person is Suffering From a Heart Attack.
- The AED Is Faulty or Has Expired Parts.
- The Victim Has a DNR.
- The Victim Is Wet or Lying in Water.
- The Victim Has a Medication Patch or Pacemaker.
- The Victim Has a Hairy Chest.
What are some safety and maintenance considerations that are required for an AED?
Turn off the AED and make sure the status indicator light shows the AED is ready to be used. Confirm all parts are available and in good condition such as gloves, razor and breathing mask. Inspect the device itself for cracks, wear, and other signs of damage. Check the pads and make sure they are not expired.