When it comes to Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the survival rate can be quite disappointing. One of the reasons for this is the fact that not many people are aware of the proper way when it comes to dealing with it.
The AED Unit
The AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is the best way to deal with an SCA situation. So how does it work? An AED is usually a small portable electronic device. It comes with two sticky pads that have electrodes. These sticky pads are typically referred to as defibrillator pads and are connected to the main electronic console by a pair of wire. In most cases, the AED unit comes with an LCD display that provides the user with instructions on how to proceed.
Keep in Mind
While AED is a nifty tool for assisting someone who has become unconscious, it is not always the answer. Fortunately, an AED is built to let you know if what the patient needs is defibrillation. You have to keep in mind that this only works for those suffering from cardiac arrest. If the patient is suffering from a heart attack, the best first-aid treatment would be to provide chest compression rather than defibrillation.
Now, using an AED is not as easy as putting all the wires in and sticking the pads on the victim’s chest. For one, you need to make sure that there is no water puddle near or around the victim. Keep in mind that water conducts electricity. If there is a water puddle around the victim, this might cause electrocution. In the same line, you also need to make sure that the chest area where the pads would go are also is also dry.
Now, when placing the pads, you have to place one pad right at the center of the patient’s chest above the nipples, while the other one goes on the left side of the rib cage below the left nipple. In most models of the AED, the message, “check electrodes” appear if the pads are not making proper contact with the skin. In case where the victim has a lot of chest hair, you need to make sure that you trim it out in order to give the pads more contact with the skin. Generally, the AED kit would include a small scissor in order to assist you in trimming the chest hairs. You also need to make sure that any necklaces or metallic objects near the chest are do not make contact with the victim and are removed before the defibrillator is applied. Keep in mind that, just like water, metal is a good conductor. Of course, the use of AED can be a bit complicated if the patient is wearing a pacemaker. If that is the case, the pads would have to be placed at least an inch away from the pacemaker.
Since operating an AED can be somewhat complicated, you should get in touch with companies that provide AED management training as well as CPR certifications.
