What is an AED? What is Defibrillation? How to Use an AED | Wellbeing

1. What is Defibrillation?

One of the primary causes of sudden cardiac arrest is a ventricular arrhythmia, specifically Ventricular Fibrillation, where the heart quivers (fibrillates) effectively instead of pumping blood. Within 6-8 minutes, the heart activity will flatline (asystole), leading to brain death.

In this critical, short timeframe, it is vital to administer an electric shock to reset the heart's natural electrical rhythm. This process is called defibrillation.

• Note: You cannot defibrillate a person once their heart has flatlined (asystole).

Defibrillation is the third link in the American Heart Association's (AHA) Chain of Survival. To perform rapid defibrillation, you need an AED. A semi-automated AED will electronically detect the patient's heart rhythm and provide you with clear audio instructions on how to proceed.

Follow the standard protocol:

• Power on

• Attach pads

• Analyze rhythm

• Shock (if advised)

2. How to Use an AED?

• Step 1: Turn 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 to ensure good contact.

• 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 device's diagram). 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 during this process. Strictly follow the visual and/or verbal instructions provided by the machine.