If You Find an AED, Do You Know How to Use It? | Wellbeing

Dr. Hoang Van Cuong | First Aid Project Trainer - "Fast First Aid - Saving Lives" Wellbeing Health Education Organization 

Did you know that only 9% of cardiac arrest victims survive to be discharged from the hospital? However, if immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed, up to 30% of victims may regain a pulse. Even more incredible, if CPR is combined with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the survival rate can soar to 67%. Therefore, the importance of an AED is undeniable. But are you confident that you know how to operate one? Let's review this vital knowledge in the article below.

1. How to Operate an AED

If you are faced with a victim of cardiac arrest / sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), what would you do? You might think you would immediately perform CPR steps like chest compressions and rescue breaths. However, do you believe you would remain calm enough to perform these maneuvers accurately in such a high-pressure situation?

So, what if there was a device to assist you during first aid? The AED acts as your capable and indispensable assistant.

While there are many different AED models, the operating steps are nearly identical across devices. The procedure is as follows:

• Step 1: Turn on the device (this may involve lifting the lid/handle or pressing the power button).

• Step 2: Follow the visual and voice prompts provided by the machine. Typically, this involves attaching electrode pads to the victim's chest.

  • Important Note: You must expose the victim's chest (remove clothing) before applying the electrode pads.

• Step 3: The machine will analyze the victim's heart rhythm. Two scenarios will follow:

  • Scenario A: The AED advises a shock. The rescuer will press the "Shock" button on the machine. An electric current is immediately delivered through the victim to defibrillate the heart, assisting it in returning to a normal rhythm.

    • Safety Warning: Before this process occurs, ensure everyone stands clear and does not touch the victim.

  • Scenario B: The AED advises "No Shock." In this case, the machine will guide the rescuer to perform CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths). A unique feature of using an AED combined with CPR is that the machine provides a metronome or guidance to ensure the correct compression rate and speed (and sometimes depth) while you perform the maneuver.

All these instructions are designed to keep you calm and help you perform the steps with the highest level of accuracy.

2. The CPR and AED Protocol

Always remember: when encountering a cardiac arrest victim, the first thing you must do is perform CPR while directing a bystander to locate an AED. Do not hesitate, as every minute that passes reduces the victim's chance of survival by 7% to 10%.

The protocol for combining CPR with an AED is as follows:

1. First: Use the AED to analyze the rhythm and deliver a shock if advised.

2. Then: Perform CPR for 2 minutes as guided by the machine.

3. Repeat: Continue this cycle until the victim regains consciousness or emergency medical services (EMS) arrive to take over.