You are here
Menu

How to use an AED

Using an automatic (or semi-automatic) defibrillator doesn’t have to be scary…

Our Primary Care division, Rocialle PracticeCare, have written a comprehensive article all about defibrillators and how to use an AED is part of that article.

To read more, please visit: Demystifying Defibrillators

How to use an AED:

When the AED is turned on, it will speak to you and instruct you on what to do.

Immediate Checks and Actions:

  1. Avoid putting yourself at risk.
  2. If there is no response in the patient, yell for assistance, ask a bystander to phone an ambulance, and if available, seek a defibrillator.
  3. Make sure the airway is open and monitor breathing.
  4. If there are less than two breaths in a ten-second interval and the casualty doesn’t appear to be breathing regularly, you must begin doing CPR.
  5. If there is a nearby AED, call 999/112 and obtain it as soon as you can.
  6. If you can, ask a bystander to alert the authorities that the victim is unresponsive and not breathing. You should hurry to fetch the AED in the interim. Maintain CPR whilst waiting for the defibrillator.

Instructions:

Defibrillators are made to be simple to use. Even though you have never received training, you should make every effort because it will explain how to use itself as it goes along.

  1. Start by activating it. Depending on the machine, this is typically accomplished by lifting the lid or depressing a prominent button.
  2. If you’re not by yourself, have someone perform CPR while the other attaches the leads to the AED (if necessary).
  3. Ensure the chest is dry (and use the razor to shave if excessively hairy as the pads need to stick to the skin).
  4. Following the instructions on the package, carefully peel each pad off its backing and set it on the dry chest.
  5. Position a pad just below the victim’s right collarbone.
  6. Place the second pad over the victim’s lower ribs on their left side.
  7. The cardiac beat will be examined by the AED.
  8. When the AED instructs you, stop CPR.
  9. Verify that nobody is touching the victim.

If the machine says a shock is advised:

  1. Verify that no one is touching the casualty throughout the entire length of their body.
  2. Then shout “stand clear” loudly.
  3. As instructed, press the flashing shock button (fully automated AEDs will do this automatically if a shock is advised).
  4. Keep performing CPR as instructed by the machine.
  5. Continue to perform 30 compressions to every two breaths.
  6. Unless they begin to regain consciousness and breathe regularly, do not stop to check on them – keep going.
  7. Every 2 minutes, the gadget will re-evaluate their heart rhythm and, if necessary, recommend another shock.

If no shock is recommended, keep performing CPR and follow instructions.

  • Persist until assistance arrives. If the victim begins to breathe regularly and begins to regain consciousness, stop performing CPR.
  • Every 2 minutes, the AED will check their cardiac rhythm again and, if necessary, recommend an electric shock.
  • Current CPR Guidance is 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths constitute CPR. Repeat.
  • If there are multiple rescuers, they alternate every few minutes.