For more than a few years now, one of the many things that a man has to content with is the abundance of medical conditions that are quite hard to predict. One such is the case of the cardiac arrest, particularly tat condition known as the Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
As the name implies, a Sudden Cardiac Arrest typically takes place without warning. One moment, the person would be feeling okay; the next, he would already be unconscious. There are, however, cases where the patient would first feel nauseous, light-headed, weak, and would have difficulty breathing. Cases like these, unfortunately, are rare. What makes SCA all the more dangerous is the fact that, during a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the patient actually suffers from tissue necrosis. Having said, it comes as no surprise that the medical community have exerted all efforts in making sure that everyone is prepared to deal with someone suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. This is the reason for why AED, Automated External Defibrillator, came into being.
AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is, simply put, a portable device used in order to deal with a patient suffering from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Now, in order to comprehend just how an AED works, you would first to make sure that you understand how the heart works. For example, you have to understand that the heart makes use of electric impulses in order to ensure its natural rhythm pattern. Without this electric impulses, the heart could stop beating. When that happens, the AED is used in order to send electric impulses and help the heart go back to its pattern. An AED, however, does not just send electric impulses to the heart. In fact, even a person without training on how this device is used can handle it quite well.
The Components of An AED
AEDs typically come in various models and designs. Regardless of this, however, an AED would have a portable electronic console, two pads, and two wires that run from the console to the pads. Generally, the consoles of these AED units come with a visual display that help cue the user on what to do next. In some models, the console also provides audio instructions on what the user needs to do next.
While most people think of an AED as a complicated device to use, nothing could actually be further from the truth. In fact, most responders would recommend the use of the AED first when dealing with an unconscious victim. This is because an AED would be able to assess whether there is still a need to apply CPR or if the AED would be enough in order to resuscitate the patient.
When using the AED, there are a number of things that one has to keep in mind. For example, before the AED pads can be placed on the patient’s chest, he or she should first be placed on a flat surface, away from any liquid. There should also be no metal items on his body, particularly around the chest area.
You can learn more about AED and how to make use of it during emergency situations when you go to Citywide CPR.
