How to Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) | Wellbeing

1. What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest (or circulatory arrest) occurs when the heart stops beating or beats ineffectively. This condition can happen to anyone—even healthy individuals with no history of heart disease—at any time and in any place.

The most common cause is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), specifically Ventricular Fibrillation. This abnormality can occur when the heart muscle is damaged due to a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or when the heart is deprived of sufficient oxygen.

2. How Does an AED Support During Cardiac Arrest?

The AED is designed to correct the heart rhythm by delivering a controlled electric shock. This device allows even those with absolutely no medical experience or knowledge to significantly increase the survival chances of cardiac arrest victims, both in hospitals and in out-of-hospital settings.

Important Note: In most cases, the rescuer must initiate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for the AED to arrive. Once the AED is on the scene, continue chest compressions while preparing to turn on the device and attaching the electrodes to the victim's chest.

3. Steps to Use an AED

• Step 1: Power on the AED and remove the electrode pads from their sealed package. Remove or cut through the victim's clothing and wipe away any sweat from the chest.

• Step 2: Tear open the pad packaging, peel off the backing, and attach the pads to the victim's chest at the indicated positions. Place the first electrode pad on the upper right side, directly below the victim's collarbone.

• Step 3: Place the second electrode pad on the left side, directly below the victim's armpit (as shown in the diagram above). Ensure the pad is aligned vertically along the body's axis from head to toe.

• Step 4: The AED will automatically begin analyzing the heart rhythm. Ensure that no one is touching the victim. Strictly follow the visual and/or verbal instructions provided by the machine.

4. Important Precautions During Use

• Do Not Touch: Ensure that no one is touching the victim while the machine is analyzing the rhythm or delivering a shock. Touching the victim can interfere with the AED’s analysis and poses a risk of electric shock to bystanders.

• Do Not Turn Off: Do not turn off the AED or remove the electrode pads, even if the victim appears to have recovered. Cardiac arrest can recur, and repeat shocks may be necessary.

• Safety First: Using an AED can be complicated by underlying medical conditions, external factors, clothing, or the cause of the arrest. The safety of all individuals involved must always be the rescuer's first priority.

• Clothing & Jewelry: Remove or cut away any clothing or jewelry that obstructs the electrode pads. Normal chest hair is usually not an issue, but if it prevents good skin contact, it should be shaved. Remove any metal from the pad placement area, including underwire bras.

• External Factors (Water/Sweat): Excessive water or sweat on the chest can reduce the effectiveness of the shock; the chest must be dry. If the victim is pulled from water, dry the chest before applying pads. If the victim is unconscious due to electric shock, ensure the power source is disconnected before starting basic CPR.

• Medical Conditions: Some victims may have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator. This does not prevent AED use. However, if you see or feel a lump under the skin on the chest, do not place the electrode pad directly over it. If the victim has a medication patch (e.g., nitroglycerin) on the chest, remove it before applying the electrodes.

• Pregnant Victims: There are no contraindications for using an AED on pregnant women. However, increased breast size may make pad placement difficult. To place the AED pad correctly, gently push one or both breasts to the right and place the electrode pad lateral to the left breast (on the side); do not place the electrode directly on breast tissue.