AED for Adults and Children > 8 Flashcards
AED is an important factor in survival from sudden cardiac arrrest caused by:
- V-Fib
- Pulseless V-tach
What things can be done to ensure early access to an AED?
- Make AEDs immediately available to BLS providers resposding
- Make public accesss defibrillation available
What are typical locatioons of public access defibrillation?
- airports
- convention centers
- sports facilities
- industsrial buildings
- offices
What criteria is there to participate in a PAD?
- Registration
- Oversight
- Training
What is included in maintaining an AED?
- Battery replacement
- Calibration
- Ordering and replacing equipment
What does research show about minimizing the interval between last compressions and shock delivery?
The shock is much more likely to be effective (stop V-fib and initiate return of spontaneous circulation)
What happens in pulseless V-tach?
In extreme cases of ventricular tacchycardia the ventricles can pump so quickly and inefficiently that no pulse can be detected.
What happens in V-Fib?
VF is an arrest rhythm.
The heart’s electrical activity becomes disordered.
The heart muscles quiver in a fast, unsynchronized way so the heart does not pump blood.
What are the universal steps in operating the AED?
- Open the case
- Power up AED (may be automatic)
- Follow prompts
- Attach AED pads to bare chest
- Attach cables to device
- When prompted, “Clear” the victim to allow it to analyze the rhythm
- If needed, press button to analyze
- AED notifies if a shock is needed
What are the two placement options for AED pads?
- Antereolateral
- Anteroposterior
What special circumstances may require the rescuer to take extra steps before applying the pads?
- Hairy chest
- Immersed in water or has water covering chest
- Has an implanted defibrillator or pacemaker
- Has a transdermal medication patch or other object on the skin where the AED pad needs to go
If the AED displays a “check electrodes” or “check electrode pads” message what could be wrong.
- Hairy chest
What should you do if the victim has been immersed in water or the chest is wet?
- Dry the chest off
Can you use the AED if the victim is lying in the snow or a small puddle of water?
Yes but only if you have dried off the chest.
What do you do when you identify the victim has a pacemaker?
- If possible, avoid placing pads of ther implanted device.
- follow normal steps for AED
What could happen if you place the AED pad directly over a transdermal medication patch.
- It can block delivery of the shock
- Could cause small burns
What is the most appropriate first step to take as soon as the AED arrives at the victim’s side?
Power on the AED
What action should you take when the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm?
Stand clear of the victim
