How to Use an AED on Pregnant Women: Safety and Guidelines | Wellbeing

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

Have you ever wondered if Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be performed on a pregnant woman suffering from sudden cardiac arrest? Is the electric shock from an AED dangerous for the fetus? If you have these concerns, read this article immediately to explore this important topic.

1. The Reality of Cardiac Arrest in Pregnant Women

A study by cardiologist Dr. Farida Mary Jeejeebhoy, currently teaching at the University of Toronto (Canada), indicated that for every 12,000 pregnant women admitted for delivery in the United States, one will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. However, this figure may be even higher as it does not account for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests involving pregnant women.

According to the author, the rates of cardiac arrest and other causes of maternal mortality have been increasing over the past decades. A potential reason is the rising number of women presenting cardiovascular risk factors during pregnancy, such as advanced maternal age, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or high cholesterol. Furthermore, existing health issues are often exacerbated by pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, which worsen the mother's overall health status.

The study further highlights that nearly 6 out of 10 pregnant women who suffer cardiac arrest within a hospital setting survive. However, there are no available statistics for those who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital.

Given these factors, first aid for pregnant women—which was already crucial—requires even greater attention and awareness.

2. What Happens When Using an AED on a Pregnant Woman?

There are actionable steps you can take to assist a pregnant woman experiencing cardiac arrest. Key points to remember include:

• Call 115 (Emergency Services) immediately or your local emergency hotline.

• Inform the dispatcher of the following details: the specific location, the number of victims, and emphasize that the victim is a pregnant woman. This allows the dispatcher to alert the nearest emergency response team to prepare specific necessary equipment.

Next, immediately perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), consisting of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Chest compressions should be performed using the same technique, hand placement, speed, and force as with any other adult woman. The compression rate must be at least 100 compressions per minute, following a complete cycle of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, instruct a bystander to retrieve the device immediately while you continue CPR. No studies have indicated that an AED affects the fetal heart rate or causes any other issues. AEDs are considered completely safe for pregnant women. Crucially, since the mother's life is in immediate danger, effectively resuscitating the mother is the primary method of saving the fetus.

If the pregnant woman regains consciousness, place her in the recovery position lying on her left side. This position improves blood flow to the heart, thereby ensuring adequate blood supply to the fetus.