As advancements in medical technology continue, we see more life-saving tools like A.E.D's (Automatic External Defibrillators) becoming accessible to the public. AEDs are crucial in emergencies as they can "reset" a heart with an abnormal rhythm, potentially saving lives. However, there are many Hollywood myths about A.E.D s that we should debunk to make using them less intimidating. Remember, real-life emergencies differ significantly from dramatized TV scenes.
What Does an A.E.D Do?
AEDs are designed to reset abnormal heart rhythms in two main situations:
Fibrillation – When the heart quivers like a bowl of jello.
Tachycardia – When the heart beats uncontrollably fast.
The AED analyzes the heart rhythm and, if necessary, delivers a small electrical shock to reset it. This shock causes the heart muscle to contract suddenly, aiming to restore a normal rhythm. It may take one or multiple shocks, but the key is to listen to the AED—it will guide you step-by-step.
Common Myths About A.E.Ds:
Will touching the victim blow you across the room? No. The electricity delivered is small but effective. Avoid touching the victim and stay clear during the shock.
Will the victim spasm wildly? No. Most people show only a slight muscle quiver or pectoral flex.
Do public AEDs record audio? No. Public AEDs only analyze heart rhythms. Medical AEDs may have memory cards to store heart data for review by cardiologists.
How to Use an A.E.D:
Open the case.
Turn on the A.E.D.
Follow instructions. Listen to the A.E.D and follow the diagrams provided.
When the A.E.D prompts you to deliver a shock:
Stand clear and loudly say, “I’m Clear, You’re Clear, Everybody’s Clear!”
Ensure no one is touching the victim.
Press the shock button to deliver the shock.
Continue CPR if the A.E.D instructs you to do so.
Important Considerations:
Don’t stop CPR while the AED is being set up. Keep pumping blood and oxygen through the body until the AED tells you to pause.
Use age-appropriate pads. Adults require larger pads, while children use smaller ones. If infant pads are unavailable, use child pads and position them as shown in the diagram. When in doubt, any shock is better than none.
Clear the chest. Remove clothing, hair, jewelry, or medical patches. Use the razor in the AED kit for chest hair if necessary. For pacemakers and piercings, place pads at least one inch away from the object.
Ensure the chest is dry. Wipe away water or sweat before applying pads. Small puddles or snow are not an issue, but large puddles should be avoided by moving the victim to a drier area.
Be Prepared
Emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared with knowledge and training can make all the difference. Knowing how to use an AED could save a life.
This material is for informational purposes only and is sourced from the Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. Always seek professional training and advice from certified instructors or healthcare providers. How to use an A.E.D.
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RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor