7 NOTES WHEN USING AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR | WELLBEING

Dr. Hoang Van Cuong | Trainer at First Aid, First Safe Project

WELL-BEING SERVICES JOINT STOCK COMPANY

Are you confident that you can give first aid to cardiac arrest victims or use AEDs in the right way? When you are placed in an emergency, it is very difficult to stay calm to perform the procedure accurately. For this reason, being well prepared all the time is essential. In this article, we are going to share with you 7 notes when performing CPR with the help from an AED for a cardiac arrest victim.

1. CPR having to be performed immediately

For every minute that passes by, the victim's rate of survival decreases by 7% to 10%. Therefore, immediately given CPR helps blood and oxygen to circulate in the body as normal. You also should not waste the precious time looking for an AED. If there is someone around, you can ask them for help.

2. Being careful with trainer AEDs

Their main purpose is to serve the training process of using an AED. Although they have similar appearance and way of operation wih the real ones, their functions are largely simplified and can not save people. Therefore, they can not give electric shock. If a trainer AED were mistaken for the real one, the precious time would be wasted, and the victim’s chance of survival would decrease a lot.

For this reason, users must pay close attention to the information on the body of the machine. All trainer AEDs must include the information stating that the machines are for training purpose only. 

3. How many times can an AED give electric shock?

The battery of an AED has only enough power to deliver a certain number of shocks. For example, the HS1 model from Philips brand can give electric shock for 200 times in a cycle of the battery. Therefore, if the AED had performed more than this number, the remaining battery power would not be enough for the machine to operate effectively.

4. How long must the battery be changed?

Even if the AED is not used in a long time, the battery will wear out and affect the efficiency of the machine. Therefore, producers will leave the information for maximum time before the battery must be changed on the AED. Usually, producers require that the battery be changed every 5 years.

5. Electrode pads for children or adults?

The required electric shock is different between adults and children as it depends on weight on the victim. In addition, the position for the electrode pads is different between children and adults. For this reason, make sure you pick the right electrode pads.

Some AED models have pads that can be used for both adults and children. However, you must read the instructions of use carefully and switch between modes for adults and children.

6. Making sure that the victim is in the best condition for an AED

Firstly, all metal stuff must be taken off, for example, watch or jewelries, etc. These stuff can affect the accuracy of analysis and efficiency of electric shock delivered by the AED.

Secondly, the area on which the electrode pads are placed must be exposed. Specifically, the hair on the victim’s chest must be shaved before attaching the pads. Additionally, sweat and water can decrease the efficiency of the AED, or even do harm to the victim. For this reason, make sure that the victim is in a completely dry condition before using the AED for her/him.

7. Not touching the victim while the AED is delivering electric shock

While in use, the machine will analyze the victim's condition to decide whether an electric shock is needed or not? Then you should note:

• Not touching the victim while the AED is analyzing: This can affect the accuracy of the analysis.
• A electric shock wave from the AED will stop the heart from beating for a short period of time so it would be very dangerous for a normal person to receive this shock wave indrectly from the victim.