Chapter 5

Automated External
Defibrillation
Public Access Defibrillation
Approximately 250,000
people die annually from
sudden cardiac death.
CPR and defibrillation
improve chance for survival.
Public Access Defibrillation

Defibrillation can be
provided by rescuers trained
to use automated external
defibrillators (AEDs).
Public access defibrillation
(PAD) laws
The Chain of Survival
Early access
Early CPR
Early defibrillation
Early advanced care
How the Heart Works
Heart is a muscle
Four chambers
coordinate blood
flow.
Pacemaker cells
emit electrical
impulses; heart
muscle contracts
Normal sinus
rhythm
When Normal Electrical Activity Is
Interrupted (1 of 2)
Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)
The most common
abnormal heart rhythm in
cases of sudden cardiac
arrest in adults
Chaotic electrical activity
that causes loss of
circulation
When Normal Electrical Activity
Is Interrupted (2 of 2)
Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)
Very rapid electrical activity
Heart may be unable to pump
blood effectively
CPR must be started until defibrillator
is available.
V-fib and V-tach can be corrected with
defibrillation, but time is critical.
For every minute that defibrillation is
delayed, victims chance for survival
decreases by 7% to 10%.
CPR is initial care until defibrillator is
available.
About AEDs (1 of 2)
Electronic device that:
Analyzes the heart rhythm
Determines and advises need
to shock
Delivers electrical shock to the
victim in cardiac arrest
Reestablishes a heart rhythm
that will generate a pulse
About AEDs (2 of 2)
Common elements
On/off button
Cable and pads (electrodes)
Analysis capability
Defibrillation capability
Prompts to guide you
Battery operation for
portability
Using an AED (1 of 2)
Turn the unit
on.
Apply AED
pads to bare
chest and the
cable to the
AED.
Using an AED (2 of 2)
Stand clear and analyze the heart rhythm.
Deliver a shock if indicated.
Perform CPR for 2 minutes (five cycles).
Check victim and repeat analysis, shock,
and CPR steps as needed.
Special Considerations (1 of 2)
Water
Remove victim
from water
Dry victims chest
Children
Medication patches
Remove patches
and wipe skin
Special Considerations (2 of 2)
Implanted devices
Pacemakers
and
defibrillators
Avoid placing
electrode pads
over devices.
AED Maintenance
Preventive maintenance checks are
recommended by manufacturers.
The AED will automatically perform
periodic self-tests, but it should be
checked daily to ensure proper
operation.
Check expiration and replacement
dates on electrode pads and
batteries.