Knowing how to use an AED (Automated Electrical Defibrillator) could save a life.

Caution: Before understanding how to use an AED or using it there are some precautionary measures that you must be aware of.

Precautionary Measures of How to Use an AED.

1. Make sure no one including you is touching the victim because this will interfere with the AED readings and furthermore there is a risk of electric shock.
2. Do not use an AED if the casualty is lying on a conductive surface for instance metal surfaces or where there is water or if the victim is wet. If there is water on the chest then the shock will travel through the water instead of the heart muscle.
3. Do not turn off the AED or remove the pads at any point, even if the casualty appears to have recovered
4. Never use an AED on an infant under one year.

Learn first how to use an AED in order to save lives.

An Automated Electrical Defibrillator (AED) is a machine used to correct the heart rhythm by giving an electric shock. One of its advantage is that they can be safely and effectively used without prior training.

The machine analyses the casualty’s heart rhythm and visual or voice prompts describe the action to take at each stage.

Steps of how to use an AED.

1. Turn on the AED and take the pads out of the sealed pack
2. Remove or cut the victim’s clothing and wipe away sweat from the chest.
3. Attach the pads to the casualty. Place one pad on the casualty’s upper right side of the chest and the second pad on the casualty’s left side just below the armpit.

PS; Most AEDs always have instructions clearly labelled on the pads.

• Make sure no one is, including you, is touching the person.
• Push the analyze button (if necessary) and allow the AED to analyze the casualty’s heart rhythm.
• Follow the voice or visual prompts given by the machine.

How to use an AED Pads on Children

The Standard AEDs can be used on children over the age of eight years. Children under eight years and not less than one year, use a pediatric AED or a standard machine with pediatric pads. If neither is available then the normal standard AED can be used.

Positioning Pediatric AED Pads.

Infants

• Place first pad over the center of the child’s chest.
• Place second pad in the center of the child’s back
• Both pads should be aligned vertically
• Connect the pads to the AED and proceed as described above

For older children place the pads the same way as for the adults – one on the child’s upper right side under the collarbone and the second pad on the child’s left side under the armpit

Caution; Never us an AED on an infant under one year.

What to Consider when using an AED.

• Pregnant Casualties

Performing AED procedures on Pregnant casualties must be carried out with respect and dignity. However, there are no contra indications to using an AED during pregnancy. The increased breast size may present some problems. Therefore, you may need to move one or both breasts to place the AED pads correctly.

• Medical Conditions

Casualties with heart conditions may have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This should not stop you or be an excuse for using an AED. Incase you see or feel a device under the chest skin, do not place the pad directly over it. If the casualty is wearing any medication patches, remove the patches before wiping the person’s chest.

• Clothing and Jewellery

Any clothing that could interfere with pads should be removed or cut away. Ensure any metal is removed from the area where the pads will be attached, such as an underwired bra. If hair prevents good contact between the skin and the pads it should be shaved off.

• External Factors

If a casualty is rescued from the water dry the chest before applying the AED pads.

The use of an AED is occasionally complicated by the above factors. Safety of all concerned should always be your first consideration. If the casualty is unresponsive following an electric shock, start CPR immediately the contact with the electricity is broken.

When handing over to the emergency services make sure to give them the following information;

• Casualty’s present status for example, unresponsive and not breathing.
• Number of shocks you have delivered.
• When the casualty collapsed and the length of time, he has been unresponsive.

This web site is to be used as a free guide and an informational resource, but it cannot replace real CPR or first aid training. Please try to attend a CPR training course in your community and help save a life.