5 Fascinating Facts About AEDs You Should Know | Wellbeing

2022-07-21 14:33:58

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable device designed to deliver an electric shock to a victim of cardiac arrest. Reliable and versatile, these devices are engineered for use by both medical professionals and lay bystanders. AEDs are programmed to automatically detect a person's heart rhythm to determine if intervention is needed, featuring voice and visual prompts to guide the user through the process. The delivery of this electric shock to restart the heart is called defibrillation; utilizing this device within the first few minutes can reverse the effects of cardiac arrest and save a life. regardless of your current knowledge, here are five essential facts about these devices.

 

1. AEDs Are Incredibly Safe to Use

Contrary to common misconceptions, these devices are extremely safe. There are no recorded instances of a rescuer being injured by a defibrillator when used correctly. Using an AED on a cardiac arrest victim will not cause further harm, and you need not fear legal repercussions; "Good Samaritan" laws generally protect first responders acting in good faith. However, there is one crucial exception to performing CPR or using an AED: the presence of a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) bracelet or necklace. Always check for this medical jewelry before initiating emergency procedures.

2. Safe for Pediatric Patients

Defibrillators are safe to use even on young children. It is best to use pediatric electrode pads or an AED equipped with a pediatric mode for children under eight years old or weighing less than 25kg. Utilizing these specific pediatric settings or pads ensures that the device delivers an attenuated energy level that is appropriate for the child's smaller body size.

3. Safe for Pregnant Women

A pregnant woman suffering from cardiac arrest requires high-quality CPR and AED shocks just like any other victim. Defibrillation poses no significant risk to either the mother or the fetus. Official medical guidelines explicitly state that AEDs are permissible for use on pregnant patients, provided that the rescuer acts to preserve the victim's dignity during chest exposure.

4. Combining AEDs with CPR Yields the Best Results

Statistics indicate that relying solely on chest compressions (CPR) results in a survival rate of approximately 14%. However, when CPR is combined with the delivery of an AED shock, the survival rate increases significantly to 23%. This data highlights the importance of using both techniques together to maximize the victim's chance of recovery.

5. Widespread Public Availability

Much like fire extinguishers, AEDs are becoming a standard safety fixture in public areas. Schools, workplaces, hotels, airports, shopping malls, and many other locations now have these devices on-site. Furthermore, recognizing the value of immediate safety, many families in developed nations (such as Australia) are now purchasing relatively affordable home AED kits to protect their loved ones.

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