AED Basics:

 

1. What is an AED?

   - An Automated External Defibrillator is a medical device made to be easily used by anyone to help a person in cardiac arrest. It is a computer that detects fatal heart rhythms and can safely deliver a shock to the person in cardiac arrest.

2. What is cardiac arrest?

   - Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sudden death in America. It can occur for many reasons but commonly occurs due to heart attacks and genetic heart abnormalities.

3. How does an AED work?

   - An AED works by analyzing a person's heart rhythm and, if necessary, delivering an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.

4. When should you use an AED?

   - You should use an AED when someone is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and there are no signs of circulation, indicating a possible cardiac arrest.

5. Is an AED safe?

   - AEDs will only give you the ability to deliver a shock if they detect a fatal cardiac rhythm in the patient. Most AEDs will have you press a physical “shock” button to deliver the shock to the patient. There are some AEDs that will shock the patient automatically after giving a warning, these are called “Fully-Automatic” AEDs.

6. Can I just do CPR?

   - While CPR is better than nothing to help a person in cardiac arrest, CPR doesn’t fix the problem. When an AED shocks a person in cardiac arrest, it has the ability to restore a normal cardiac rhythm, something that CPR cannot do. When an AED is used promptly in cardiac arrest, survival rates are 2-4 times higher than with CPR alone.

7. I took a CPR/AED class, is that enough?

   - While it is useful to have taken a CPR and AED class, it is especially important to be very familiar with the exact AED that you may be using. We suggest that you are familiar with turning your AED on, opening the pad packaging, how to remove the pads from the liner, and how to place them on the patient, as well as how to check the AED for readiness. 

8. Do I need training to use an AED?

   - While training is beneficial, many AEDs provide audio and visual prompts that guide users through the process.

9. Is there an age limit for using an AED?

   - All of the AEDs that we sell at Equipment Express have the ability to accept a set of pediatric pads (or key) that reduce the energy delivered by the AED to pediatric levels, typically the cutoff for pediatric pads is the age of 8 or weight below 55 pounds. If pediatric pads are not available, the AHA endorses using adult pads on pediatric patients above the age of one.

10. Can AEDs be used on individuals with implanted devices like insulin pumps?

    - Yes, AEDs can be used on individuals with implanted devices. The shock from the AED may disrupt such devices temporarily, but it is outweighed by the potential benefits of defibrillation.

11. Can you use an AED on someone who has overdosed on drugs?

    - AEDs are designed to treat cardiac arrest, not drug overdoses. In cases of overdose, call emergency services for appropriate care, and attempt to use naloxone, if indicated.

12. Are AEDs effective for all age groups?

    - AEDs are effective for all age groups, but the technique and electrode pad placement may differ for infants, children, and adults.

13. Can AEDs be used on individuals with epilepsy?

    - AEDs can be used on individuals with epilepsy if they experience cardiac arrest. Epileptic seizures are different from cardiac arrest.

14. Can AEDs be used on individuals with a history of stroke?

    - Yes, AEDs can be used on individuals with a history of stroke if they experience cardiac arrest. Stroke and cardiac arrest are distinct medical events.

15. Can AEDs be used on individuals with diabetes?

    - Yes, AEDs can be used on individuals with diabetes. Cardiac arrest can happen to people with various medical conditions.

16. Can AEDs be used on individuals with high blood pressure?

    - Yes, AEDs can be used on individuals with high blood pressure. Cardiac arrest can occur in people with various health conditions.

17. What is the role of AEDs in workplace safety?

    - AEDs play a crucial role in workplace safety by providing immediate response to cardiac arrest emergencies.

18. What is the role of AEDs in schools?

    - AEDs in schools can save lives by providing immediate response to cardiac arrest emergencies, especially in settings with children and staff.

 

AED Usage and Operation:

1. How do you use an AED?

   - The basic steps include turning on the AED, attaching the electrode pads to the person's chest, allowing the AED to analyze the heart rhythm, and following prompts to deliver a shock if needed, or perform CPR.

2. How do you turn on an AED?

   - You typically turn on an AED by pressing the power button or opening the lid.

3. How do you attach the AED pads to a person's chest?

   - Follow the diagrams and instructions on the AED pads, placing one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side of the chest.

4. What do you do if the person has a hairy chest?

   - If the person has a hairy chest, you may need to shave or trim the chest hair in the area where the AED pads will be placed to ensure good contact.

5. How does the AED analyze a person's heart rhythm?

   - The AED uses the electrode pads to monitor the heart's electrical activity and analyze the rhythm to determine whether a shock is needed.

6. What is the difference between a shockable and non-shockable rhythm?

   - A shockable rhythm is a ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), which may be corrected with a shock. Non-shockable rhythms include asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA), which do not respond to shocks. The AED will only shock a shockable rhythm, and these rhythms have the best chance of survival.

7. When should you administer a shock with an AED?

   - You should administer a shock with an AED when the device prompts you to do so, and the rhythm is shockable (VF or VT).

8. What happens if the AED advises against a shock?

   - If the AED advises against a shock, it means that a shock is not appropriate, and you should continue with CPR until further instructions or help arrives.

9. How many shocks can an AED deliver?

   - Most of the AED batteries can deliver over 100 shocks before being depleted, much more than would be needed in a single cardiac arrest.

10. How do you perform CPR along with using an AED?

    - You perform CPR by giving chest compressions and rescue breaths. The AED will guide you on when to pause CPR for analysis and shocks.

11. How do you know when to stop CPR after using an AED?

    - You should stop CPR after using an AED when the person regains consciousness, begins breathing normally, or when emergency responders arrive and take over.

 

AED Maintenance and Legalities:

1. What maintenance needs to be done on an AED?

   - AEDs need very little maintenance on a month-to-month basis but you should check them every month to make sure they are ready to be used in a rescue. That means doing the following:

     - Ensuring the device is not beeping

     - Checking to make sure the pads are in date and not expired

     - Checking to make sure the battery is not expired (if applicable)

   - Most devices now have pads that expire every 24-30 months. Some brands such as the Zoll AED Plus and Heartsine Samaritan 350P have pads that last up to 5 years. Most new AED batteries will last 4-5 years.

2. What are the signs of a low battery in an AED?

   - The AED will typically provide visual or audible warnings if the battery is low or needs replacement. Most AEDs will emit a beep.

3. Can AED pads be reused?

   - No, once the packaging for the pads is opened or the seal is broken, the pads should be replaced.

4. Are there legal liabilities when using an AED?

   - Good Samaritan laws often protect individuals who use AEDs in good faith to help save a life. Legal liability may vary by jurisdiction.

5. What is the Good Samaritan law?

   - Good Samaritan laws provide legal protection to individuals who voluntarily provide assistance in emergencies, including using AEDs, as long as they act in good faith and within their training.

6. What is the role of bystanders in AED use?

   - Bystanders play a critical role in using an AED by providing immediate assistance and starting CPR while awaiting professional help.

7. What is the importance of rapid defibrillation?

   - Rapid defibrillation is crucial because the sooner a shock is delivered, the higher the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

 

AED Location and Placement:

1. Where are AEDs typically located?

   - AEDs can be found in public places such as airports, malls, schools, gyms, and workplaces, as well as in healthcare facilities and emergency vehicles. It is becoming more common to have an AED in the home as well.

2. Are AEDs available for public use?

   - Yes, many AEDs are designed for public use and can be found in easily accessible locations.

3. Can you use an AED on someone who is unconscious but not in cardiac arrest?

   - AEDs are specifically for cardiac arrest situations. If someone is unconscious but has a pulse, it is not appropriate to use an AED.

4. Can AEDs be used on individuals with a history of heart surgery?

   - Yes, you can use an AED on someone with a history of heart surgery, as an AED can be life-saving in such situations.

5. Can AEDs be used on someone who is pregnant?

   - Yes, AEDs can be used on someone who is pregnant. Saving the mother's life is the primary concern during a cardiac arrest situation.

6. Can AEDs be used on someone who is wearing a bra?

   - It is advisable to remove clothing that obstructs the chest area when using an AED to ensure proper pad placement.

7. Do AEDs have a self-test feature?

   - All of the AEDs that we sell at Equipment Express have a self-test feature that checks the device's functionality and readiness.

8. Can AEDs be used on someone with a metal implant or prosthesis?

   - AEDs can be used on individuals with metal implants or prostheses, as the electric shock is focused on the heart and unlikely to affect the implant.

9. Can you use an AED on someone who has overdosed on drugs?

   - AEDs are designed to treat cardiac arrest, not drug overdoses. In cases of overdose, call emergency services for appropriate care, and attempt to use naloxone, if indicated.

10. Are AEDs effective for all age groups?

    - AEDs are effective for all age groups, but the technique and electrode pad placement may differ for infants, children, and adults.

11. Can AEDs be used on individuals with epilepsy?

    - AEDs can be used on individuals with epilepsy if they experience cardiac arrest. Epileptic seizures are different from cardiac arrest.

12. Can AEDs be used on individuals with a history of stroke?

    - Yes, AEDs can be used on individuals with a history of stroke if they experience cardiac arrest. Stroke and cardiac arrest are distinct medical events.

13. Can AEDs be used on individuals with diabetes?

    - Yes, AEDs can be used on individuals with diabetes. Cardiac arrest can happen to people with various medical conditions.

14. Can AEDs be used on individuals with high blood pressure?

    - Yes, AEDs can be used on individuals with high blood pressure. Cardiac arrest can occur in people with various health conditions.

15. What is the role of AEDs in workplace safety?

    - AEDs play a crucial role in workplace safety by providing immediate response to cardiac arrest emergencies.

16. What is the role of AEDs in schools?

    - AEDs in schools can save lives by providing immediate response to cardiac arrest emergencies, especially in settings with children and staff.

17. How do you perform rescue breaths during CPR?

    - Rescue breaths during CPR involve tilting the head, sealing the mouth and nose, and giving two breaths to the person after every 30 chest compressions.