An Automatic External Defibrillator or AED is an intricate device made simpler for people to use on those who may be experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. A bystander can use one because it has step-by-step instructions on how to use the machine.

But one should not use an AED right away. The person administering it should check the pulse and breathing of the person. Calling for emergency personnel like 9-1-1 is the safest choice if both the pulse and breathing of the person is irregular or absent.

The golden rule: do not panic

If there are no available AEDs, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a must. Maybe the victim is just unconscious so it’s best to play safe until you are sure of what really happened. If the victim does not wake up to CPR, wait for 9-1-1 and prepare to use the AED.

AED use is simple because there are instructions on the machine. There is usually a voice prompt that guides you on what to do. The brand does not matter because there are already instructions. But if the one who would apply the AED has a preferred brand, it would be better because the person already has some background information on what to do and setting up the machine.

Just like normal defibrillators found in hospitals, an AED uses a pack of electrodes to “jumpstart” the heart of the victim. The person’s chest has to be revealed and each pad of the AED placed properly: one above the right nipple and the other on the left of the ribcage, just shy below the left nipple.

The machine would correct you if there is a mistake and tell you to repeat the setup again. Common mistakes would be not connecting the two electrodes properly and using the machine when someone has medical devices in them like a pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator.

Although a no-brainer, you should remove metallic objects from the person’s body. They can and will conduct electricity if worn while being defibrillated. Burns can result from it and it would be a painful thing to bear, especially for the one being revived.

Once everything is set to go, advise those around you to get back and not be in contact with the victim. Electrical charge can travel from person-to-person and it can be very high. You might even tend to two individuals should the charge bounce.

An AED has two interesting buttons: Analyze and Shock. Both are self-explanatory and really helpful in making the machine more uncomplicated than normal defibrillators carried by medical personnel.

What one can do is alternating CPR with AED use. When AED does not work, perform CPR, and vice versa. The power is literally in your hands and on the victim so don’t rush it: just be careful of the things you would do and think things over four times.

And if you fail, call 9-1-1 for help. At least you did your job to help another person see the light of the day.

An Automated External Defibrillator or AED is a technological medical marvel that jumpstarts the heart of the bearer using ample amounts of electricity. Unlike conventional defibs, an AED is much easier to manipulate in high-stress situations, but still require a trained and licensed individual to operate it.

This company has the best program for AED Management, one that could tackle all existing machines in an area easily using an electronic device’s Internet browser. Very easy to perform, install, and do a lot of scans with them, monitor active machines, that kind of stuff.

As an employer, a building owner, you should care for the people around you. Be ready for anything unusual because you may never know when there is a need for resuscitation. What if one of your employees goes down due to heart attack or cardiac arrest, what could you do?

Aside from having the best program for managing the AED of this city, it also boasts the capabilities of the experts. Ask them anything related to AED Management and you will be surprised to notice that they add their personal experiences to their answers, showing just how diverse and versatile they can be.

AED Management will let you see if there are updates, both hardware and software, for the machines. This is to ensure that all your machines are working fine and can do accurate scans. The program will flicker and tell you what’s up with your devices, if any.

Most AEDs found in offices are mounted on walls, anywhere that is accessible. They can only be used by licensed AED practitioners. But what if there are none nearby and someone needs to be revived? Who to call?

Training on how to use AEDs can be in the works. CPR can also be taught as backup skills in case the machines do not work. It is your responsibility to check the machines from time to time because it’s a matter of life and death.

There are different brands of AEDs, one better than the other. They are all good and reputable as defibrillators. It’s not the brand that matters: it is how you use one to its full potential that does. They are all basically the same, except for the parts and certain warranties, so your AED users would not have difficult time operating one.

The best thing about having an AED program is its tracking device on each machine. You will know where a certain AED is, its status, and readiness to be used. It is like reading someone’s name on a guest list and finding their names, whether they were invited or just scribbled out by the person responsible for creating the list.

Once registered with the company’s AED program, they can offer seminars and teaching to better the potential of each AED user. Only licensed practitioners can take a crack at it because an AED is sophisticated and prone to disrepair if used incorrectly.

With AED program, the most complicated things can become simpler.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR is a skill everyone should know. In fact, it should be taught in school and not just when you are a member of the Red Cross. You never know when a life-threatening emergency would happen to someone you know – say near-drowning or heart attack – anything that stops a person from breathing or the heart from beating. That three-letter abbreviation can literally mean life and death. Make one mistake and you can end up sending the person you are trying to revive closer to Death’s gates. But if resuscitation is successful, he/she will be indebted to your talent.

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and resources just to know how to do CPR. It only takes a couple of lessons before an attendee applies the basics, how to conduct CPR, and the guidelines to an effective revival attempt.

The proper technique when it comes to performing CPR shall be tackled by highly skilled instructors with backgrounds in paramedics and search and rescue. They are trained individuals willing to lend a helping hand to those who wish to know how to conduct CPR effectively.

It increases the survival rate of the fallen to almost triple the chance of not reaching the morgue. It starts by assessing the situation. If you think you can handle the situation and not need the assistance of 911, push down two inches from the center of the chest 30 times. The technique to doing so is doing it as hard and rapid as possible.

After pushing down, lean the victims head upward and raise the chin. Lightly squeeze the nose and blow air into the person’s mouth until the chest rises like bread. Each blow should last a second. Give two after.

In certain situations wherein you have another person who knows how to conduct CPR, the two tasks can be split; one does the pumping while the other one does the blowing.

If things go south, call 911. They will be more than equipped to handle any situation and have the logistics to do so. But in most cases wherein CPR is needed, the victim usually comes out safe. Sometimes it is just a weak heart or a complication of some sort.

Although the skill is centuries-old, it is a skill not all people know. It is disheartening to know that such valuable skill could not be performed by many, especially with the current lifestyle of this generation – the everything-instant generation.

If you know how to conduct CPR and want others to follow suit, teach them your methods. Not only will they know how to perform an invaluable skill, they will also learn the importance of time and fluidity.

30 pumps and two breaths can seem almost a lifetime when resuscitating someone.

When all else fails, just continue doing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If you think one set is not enough, do another. And another.

So be ready for what comes your way. Nevertheless it will be a life-changing decision.

Automated external defibrillators are commonly used by emergency medical response team. This is used when a person’s heart has stopped beating. This is a portable machine that produces a shock that could help the heart function again. Ambulances and other emergency vehicles are equipped with AED. There are many misconceptions about automated external defibrillators.  These misconceptions could sometimes be the hindrance of saving a person’s life. These are the following hindrances that everyone should know and learn from:

Automated external defibrillators are complicated to use.

• This is one of the biggest misconceptions about AED’s. AED’s are very easy to use, the instructions are not hard and these kinds of equipment can highly determine if a shock is needed by the person. This equipment can guide the user in using the equipment and placing the pads in the right spot. Saving the person’s life would be more successful if another person is giving chest compression while another is applying the pads. As long as both are doing the job correctly, the person’s life will be saved.

Automated external defibrillators are rendered useless after applying two minutes of CPR.

• It is never late to use automated external defibrillators even after two minutes of CPR.  As long as the CPR given is correct, in counting and rhythm, AED’s are never useless. It is highly advisable that until the automated external defibrillators constant chest compression or CPR should be applied when the person has no pulse and not yet breathing.

The chest should/must be dry for the automated external defibrillators to work perfectly.

• True, it should be dry. However, stating that it would not work if the chest is wet is completely false. The chest needs to be dry before applying the pads because giving a shock on wet surface would be quite harmful to the person. However, drying the chest should never be the cause of delay in case the AED is suggesting that a shock should be given.

AED’s should only be used by medical professionals or healthcare experts.

• Completely wrong, you do not need to be a healthcare professional or a medical expert in order to use an automated external defibrillator. As long as you know how to listen and follow simple instructions then you can easily use an automated external defibrillator. Many of the healthcare experts who have used this equipment have stated that it is easy to use because it is straight forward making it easy to use by the general public.

Home AED’s cannot save a person’s life.

• Statistics have shown that more than 75% of deaths have occurred at home.  So having an automated external defibrillator really makes sense.  Most people do not see the importance of an automated external defibrillator at home because they fear they might harm their love ones instead of giving them first aid. An AED unit can basically save a person’s life, it can practically help the person whose stopped breathing and has no pulse or a person who have just experienced cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency technique used to save the life of a person who went into heart attack or into drowning where heartbeat and breathing has stopped.  Through CPR, oxygen can flow back to a person’s brain and heart and to the rest of his vital organs.  The technique can revive a person for a while until such time where he reaches the hospital and a more advanced procedure is performed. AED is useful on the way to the hospital (if the ambulance is equipped with it) in case the person’s heartbeat stops once again.  

CPR is composed of two categories.  The basic ones involve a difference of its application of this technique between adults to infants and children or toddler.   This is basic and it does not require any medical related training. The other category of CPR technique requires medical training. This is for purposes of knowing the right drugs to use, the proper use of endotracheal intubation (EI) to be inserted into the trachea or windpipe and the use of AED or electric shocking device to the heart.  However, any person for this matter should best undergo life-saving activity training to be fully certified and qualified.  

If not properly trained in CPR, a hand-only technique can be applied by means of uninterrupted chest compressions counting for about 100/minute until rescue team arrives.  Reviving a person by chest compressions is applicable for children and infants but not for newborn.  A newborn is too fragile to be handled by an untrained person in CPR.  

If the person is trained but out of practice and lacks the confidence to perform the technique, uninterrupted chest compression of 100/minute counting is still effective while waiting for the paramedics or rescue team to arrive.  

With a trained person in CPR, confidence and ability must be the primary deciding factor in performing the emergency technique.  Start with 30 chest compressions before checking the air passage to establish the rescue breathing sequence or the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.  

Confirm if the person is conscious or unconscious.  If he fails to respond, call 911 immediately and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation at once.  Start with chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation interval.  Allow oxygenated blood to flow and circulate in his brain and heart to gain his consciousness while waiting for the rescue team.

Always remember the famous acronym CAB (compressions, airway and breathing) before starting the CPR.   This will help to remember the proper steps of performing the CPR. Compression helps in restoring the blood circulation to the vital organs of the unconscious person.  Observe for normal breathing within five to ten seconds.  Chest motion and breathing sounds is an indicator that the airway is clear.  Labored breathing or gasping is not normal and should be given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation quickly.  This is where rescue breathing is essential.  If the mouth is badly damaged, nose-to-nose breathing can be applied.  Give two rescue breaths with the first one for a second and watch if the chest responds.  Follow with the second breath and with thirty chest compressions in sequence with the two rescue breaths is one cycle measure. Continue the cycle until the rescue team takes over.

Remember, it is better to help somebody in distress than to leave because of your incapacity to respond accordingly.  

Somebody just got ran over by a motorcycle, the victim lies on the street. What would you do? It is a common knowledge that victims of this kind of accidents are best left untouched until the paramedics arrive. Touching or moving the victim without the proper knowledge of basic life support may add injury or worsen his condition. That is why one of the top reasons of being knowledgeable in applying basic methods in life saving is to know the perfect or basic procedure in saving someone’s life until paramedics or medical personnel arrives. Among the basic lifesaving methods, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or commonly known as CPR is one of the most important procedure that a person should know. However, there are specific times where the application of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is needed. When the victim is not breathing and has no pulse then Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is needed. Remember, if the brain cannot have oxygen in less than four minutes, brain damage may occur. Other than checking if the victim is breathing, you must also inspect for any possible blockage on the throat or airway passage. Be sure that the tongue or any other object is not blocking the passage of the air.  The position of the head can be a factor for clear air passage. However, be sure that braces or support is given to the neck when trying to move the victim’s head.

Aside from that, people who are experiencing cardiac arrest may also need Cardiopulmonary resuscitation applied to them. Therefore, before giving initial help to a victim, it is best to check if the victim is breathing and if he has a pulse. Never, apply CPR immediately when you are not yet sure of the victim’s condition.

Furthermore, the placement of your palms is very important. Putting your palms or hands in the wrong place or manner may result to another injury to the victim. This may cause chest fractures or pains around the chest area, worst case scenario; it may cause death to the victim. This validates the need to undergo trainings in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. There are plenty of websites that you can find online that teaches the right or correct method in giving Cardiopulmonary resuscitation to a person. Just a click on your computer and you can browse at plenty of online courses that would help you learn the basic and correct method in giving first aid or CPR.

However, if learning online does not appeal to you, you can always ask hospitals and other medical related facilities if they conduct CPR training. Usually people on the medical field are highly knowledgeable and are certified to conduct training and seminars regarding first aid or basic lifesaving treatments. These websites are highly knowledgeable and have consulted medical technicians and professionals on the correct procedure in giving somebody Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Some of this websites may be interactive, while some may be instructional. Interactive, means there would be a conversation between you and the assigned facilitator. While instructional is just learned through reading and illustrations.

As early as the world of civilization arises, cardiac arrest or heart attack became one of the leading causes of death.  Cardiac problems become the primary cause of suffering which has become life threatening as a person reaches a ripe age if they did not succumb to infectious disease at an early age.  With the world advancing on its medical research, people eventually live longer yet heart problem still linger as a life threatening matter.

With this in mind, medical science research team focused on improving their method of managing heart problems in order to save, revive and improve the circulation of heart muscles when in cardiac arrest.  The first breakthrough was in 1947 when Claude Beck, a pioneer in heart surgery was able to use a defibrillator to a post-operative patient.  Since then, the tool went into constant innovation that defibrillation can now be performed without the presence of physicians as long as the emergency medical technicians have undergone proper training and AED Management program.  Automated external defibrillators are normally handled by trained personnel today.  Through defibrillation where electrical therapy is introduced to a person who went into cardiac arrest, the heart is restored to its regular rhythm thus ending arrhythmia.

AED management is not a hard task as long as the workplace in relation to the emergency unit design and a regular graphic checkup of the device is reliable and satisfactory.  Managing an AED defibrillation program is important to obtain its perfect performance and success.  The program can be a simple one but should be wide in range complete with the necessary mechanism of how an AED program should be.  

An ideal program for this should have a web-based system that guarantees and conforms to the method applied on the AED program.  Internet connection should be used as an ideal access.  However, the program should have an allowance to alter and change the existing platform for possible upgrading of the device.  

A compliance report is essential to support and check the record maintenance of the AED program and the personnel itself.  This will also give an easy access on checking regularly the AED units.  All the necessary replaceable and expendable items such as electrodes and batteries should be notably dated on its date of purchase to estimate its life span.  

Automated external defibrillator is easy to keep and maintain. This is to insure its maximum performance.  Take note that AED batteries are non-rechargeable and a dead battery is one of the most common causes of the unit’s malfunction.  Normally, batteries have a two to five years life span.  The electrode pads have to be checked regularly too of its expiration date. There are dates that are stamped after opening the case.  There are also models that the date is visible by looking through the window of the case. To ensure the viability of the unit it is therefore ideal to check the unit every tour of duty. Most of all never lose the unit’s manual for it will provide the right reference of the unit itself.

For decades, countless people have already taken interest in CPR training yet very few people know how to actively apply their knowledge in saving lives in real life situations. Relatively few even attempt to do resuscitation before real help from paramedics arrive.

Why is it that even with the sheer number of people who have undergone CPR training only a few cases get the benefit of resuscitation attempts?

Panic

The primary reason why people don’t attempt resuscitation is not because they can’t but because their bodies are overpowered with anxiety and panic and so they forgot what they should do first when the situation calls for it. When the body is overpowered with fear and panic, the conscious mind could not catch up that it becomes next to impossible to do an accurate recall on the steps that are needed to be done.

Personal Space

There is also a factor where a person won’t do the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation especially when the person involved is a stranger. This is probably because of a “personal space” factor – whether it is the patient’s space or one’s own – that is up to the person who is going to do the CPR. Indeed, CPR is a classic invasion of personal space. However, there is no such thing as it is when it comes to saving lives. What an individual has to think about is how to save the man before him until the paramedics arrive.

Getting the Facts Straight

Mouth to mouth resuscitation is not compulsory anymore, according to a study that was published in a journal of medicine five years ago. This means to say that chest compressions on its own can already do wonders or perhaps even better than when it is combined with rescue breathing. In fact, chest compressions alone can already increase the chance of patient’s survival with discharge from hospital with satisfactory or good brain function.

As opposed to cases where CPR/chest compression has been done, there is increased risk for brain damage or impaired brain function in people who have not received chest compression before they are brought into the hospital.

When it comes to emergencies, even when you’re not a paramedic or a medical professional – if you’ve received CPR training then you should be able to save one life at a time when the situation calls for it. This is a skill that everyone must have or acquire nowadays because you can never tell whether someone would fall in front of you due to cardiac arrest and if you don’t know what to do – then you risk that person’s life when you could’ve saved him or her.

By receiving training, you are actually doing yourself a favor. Ask yourself what if your loved one needed a CPR and you don’t know what to do? Wouldn’t it be better if you know how to do it so that you can save your loved one and other people for that matter with the knowledge that you have been given and bestowed?

CPR, which stands for Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a process that uses chest compression and artificial ventilation – by means of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in order to maintain vascular flow and oxygenation despite the presence of cardiac arrest. This process greatly enhances the neurologic outcome or good quality life prognosis of patients who just had cardiac arrest away from the vicinity of a hospital or within significant time-delay prior to the arrival of paramedics.

However, despite improving the chances of these patient’s survival, the fact that adequate medical attention needs to be given cannot be discounted. This is to ensure that the patient’s chances of getting discharged from the hospital without significant neurologic symptoms that may impair good quality life is heightened.

The Process of CPR

The process starts with chest compression delivery. If you have observed from pictures or even from medical TV shows, you will see that cardiopulmonary resuscitation will begin with overlapping hands on top of the patient’s chest over the sternum. It should be emphasized that the arms of the person doing the resuscitation must be extended to ensure that the force for chest compression is adequately delivered with the assistance of some of the rescuer’s weight.

It has been updated that cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be done on all patients whether children or adults and a guidelines or recommendations have been passed for references.

First, the rescuer must only withhold resuscitation if victims of penetrating or blunt trauma will obviously not benefit anything from it. This means that if the victim obviously not survive – given the factors such as the time delay before reaching a medical facility – the victim will not benefit anything from the cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Second, recommended resuscitation should be done in patients who have suffered from cardiac arrest especially when they have not sustained any traumatic injury at the time of incident.

Third, if the victim is a child and has shown signs of life even before the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be taken immediately to the nearest emergency room. All procedures including the traumatic CPR must be done while on the way to the hospital. Any delay of bringing the child could result to the demise of the patient considering the window of survival without oxygen to the brain.

There are still other guidelines that must be followed when it comes to doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The ones mentioned above are just some of it, which you could give more thought and understanding.

What are the instances when cardiopulmonary resuscitation is contraindicated or prohibited?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is indicated or SOP (standard operating procedure) to all victims of cardiac arrest. The only time that it is contraindicated or absolutely prohibited is when there is a DNR (do-not-resuscitate) order from the attending physician by virtue of the immediate family’s decision. It is also not done any more if the patient has advanced directive of not being resuscitated upon the occurrence of cardiac arrest. Otherwise, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is absolutely done in order to increase the chances of having good quality life after the cardiac arrest.

Based on historical records, about 600,000 Americans die each year from acute myocardial infarction. While most people think that a heart disease, and the resulting heart attack, can happen over time, that is not the case. In truth, it could take someone 10 to 15 years for a heart attack to inevitably occur. Unfortunately, although there is quite enough time for people to realize that a heart attack could occur, very few know what signs to watch out for.

Risk Factors for Heart Attack

1. Age

Although heart attack can happen to anyone, one of the factors that could increase such likelihood would be be if you are 45 years and above in age. For women, the age of 55 years and older tend to pose a higher risk. Many medical professionals believe that, it is because, at this age, the body is unable to break down fats. This, in turn, would mean build up of fatty deposits along the walls of the blood vessels.

2. Smoking

Whether it’s tobacco that gives you the thrill or just the simple cigarette, smoking can increase your likelihood of suffering from a heart attack. You have to keep in mind that, when you smoke, the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain as well as the other major organs that you have is greatly reduced. Without the right amount of oxygen, the tissues could die which could lead to organ failure.

3. Diabetes

People with diabetes have a higher chance of suffering from a heart attack compared to those who don’t. Excess sugar in the blood can damage the arteries which could lead to the latter being stiff and prone to more damage should fatty deposits start to build up.

4. Family History of Heart Disease

While heart attack is not something that you inherit from your parents, the risk and predisposition to it is actually something that gets passed down. Aside from this, it can be quite normal for parents to pass down their eating and lifestyle habits to their children. A previous heart attack could also mean that your chances of getting another heart attack is higher especially  if you do not make some needed changes.

Now, knowing the risk factors for a heart attack can help you ensure that you keep your risk level to a minimum. In the event that you do experience a heart attack, you have to keep in mind that all is not lost. There are, however, certain changes that you should consider:

1. Lifestyle change

If you are leading a sedentary life, you might to be more active. This does not have to be much. A brisk walk for 30 minutes each day can already help you lower your risk for another heart attack. It could also strengthen your body.

2. Watching what you eat.

Eating right does not mean that you have to punish yourself with bland, tasteless food. It only means that you have to make sure that you take everything into moderation. Ensure also that you do not consume food with high levels of LDL. You should also keep an eye out for the kind of drinks that you have each day.

Living a life after a heart attack would also mean making sure that you have an AED unit on hand. This can prove to be quite handy should you suffer from another heart attack.