How To Use An Automated External Defibrillator Aed For Cardiac Arrest St John Ambulance Guide

Learn how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to save lives during cardiac arrest. St John Ambulance provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy for anyone to help in an emergency.

• An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a life-saving device that can deliver electric shocks to restart the heart during cardiac arrest.
• AEDs are suitable for use on adults and children over 1 year old.
• Using an AED in the critical minutes before an ambulance arrives can significantly improve the chances of survival.
• Anyone can use an AED, and the machine provides visual and voice prompts to guide users.
• In the absence of immediate help, calling 999 or 112 for emergency assistance and starting CPR is essential.
• It's important not to leave the casualty to find an AED; instead, continue CPR until someone brings the AED.
• The AED provides clear voice prompts for each step of the process, making it user-friendly.
• The device re-analyzes the heart rhythm and may deliver shocks or advise continuing CPR as needed.
• Ensure proper placement of pads on the bare chest after removing clothing.
• Always ask people to stand back during analysis and shock delivery to prevent interference.

This guide explains how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) effectively to increase the chances of saving a life during cardiac arrest. Provided by St John Ambulance, it emphasizes the simplicity and importance of AEDs in critical moments. Whether you're a first responder or an ordinary citizen, knowing how to use an AED can be a crucial skill. The following points offer a detailed breakdown of the information provided in the video

• What is an AED?
  An AED stands for "Automated External Defibrillator," a life-saving device designed to deliver an electric shock to restart the heart during a cardiac arrest. It is suitable for use on adults and children over 1 year old.

• The Importance of AEDs
  Using an AED in the critical minutes before an ambulance arrives can significantly improve someone's chance of survival. Cardiac arrest is a time-sensitive medical emergency, and immediate intervention with an AED can make a difference.

• User-Friendly Operation
  Anyone can use an AED without fear of making mistakes or causing harm. The AED machine analyzes the casualty's heart rhythm and provides clear visual or voice prompts to guide users through each step. This makes it a valuable tool for both trained professionals and laypersons.

• Immediate Action
  If you encounter someone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, the first step is to call 999 or 112 for emergency help. If possible, ask someone to bring an AED to the scene. If you are alone, make the emergency call yourself on a mobile phone or on speakerphone and start CPR with chest compressions. Do not leave the casualty to search for an AED. Continue CPR until someone brings the AED.

• AED Operation
  As soon as the AED arrives, switch it on while continuing CPR. The AED will immediately provide a series of visual and verbal prompts, guiding you through the process. The voice prompts are clear and concise, ensuring that users know exactly what to do.

  • Voice Prompts Example
    • "Call for help now."
    • "Remove all clothing from the patient's chest."
    • "Pull the red handle to open the bag."
    • "Look at pictures on pads."
    • "Peel one pad off the blue plastic."
    • "Apply the pad to bare skin exactly as shown in the picture."
    • "Press the pad firmly."
    • "Peel the other pad off the blue plastic."
    • "Apply the pad to bare skin exactly as shown in the picture."
    • "Evaluating heart rhythm."
    • "Stand clear everyone! Preparing to shock."
    • "Stand back."
    • "Delivering shock."
    • "Shock delivered. Provide chest compressions and rescue breaths."

• Continuous CPR
  After delivering a shock, the AED will instruct you to continue CPR for two minutes before re-analyzing the situation. The AED may advise "no shock advised, continue CPR" based on the casualty's condition. If the casualty shows signs of becoming responsive, place them in the recovery position. Leave the AED attached and follow the voice and visual prompts until professional help arrives.

• Key Guidelines

  • When using an AED, always call 999 or 112 for emergency help.
  • Continue giving CPR while the AED is being prepared.
  • Ensure that the pads are placed on the bare chest after removing clothing.
  • Keep people at a safe distance during AED analysis and shock delivery to prevent interference.

This guide from St John Ambulance underscores the significance of AEDs and offers a straightforward, step-by-step approach to using these life-saving devices in emergencies. Remember, the knowledge and confidence to use an AED can make a critical difference in cardiac arrest situations. To further support St John Ambulance's efforts, visit sja.org.uk/donate.

By following these guidelines and using an AED when needed, you can contribute to saving lives and providing vital assistance in emergencies.

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