Automated External

Defibrillation

Public Access Defibrillation

CPR and defibrillation improve chance for
survival from sudden cardiac death.
Defibrillation can be provided by rescuers
through the use of automated external
defibrillators (AEDs).
Public access defibrillation (PAD) laws
promote the use of AEDs in public places.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved devices for the home.

How the Heart Works

Heart is a muscle.
Four chambers store
blood.
Pacemaker cells send
electrical impulses;
heart muscle contracts.
Normal sinus rhythm

When Normal Electrical

Activity Is Interrupted (1 of 2)
Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)
A common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of
sudden cardiac arrest in adults
Chaotic electrical activity that causes loss of
circulation

From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.

When Normal Electrical

Activity Is Interrupted (2 of 2)
Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)
A common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of
sudden cardiac arrest in adults
Very rapid electrical activity
Heart may be unable to pump blood
effectively.

From Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation, courtesy of Tomas B. Garcia, MD.

Care for Cardiac Arrest

CPR is the initial care until defibrillator is
available.
V-fib and V-tach can be corrected with
defibrillation, but time is critical.
For every minute that defibrillation is delayed,
victims chance for survival decreases by 7% to
10%.
Provide CPR until defibrillator is available.

About AEDs (1 of 2)
Analyzes the heart rhythm
Determines and advises need to shock
Delivers electrical shock to the victim in cardiac
arrest
Can reestablish heart rhythm that will generate
a pulse

About AEDs (2 of 2)
Common elements
On/off button
Cable and pads
(electrodes)
Analysis capability
Defibrillation capability
Prompts to guide user
Battery operation for
portability

Using an AED (1 of 2)
Turn the unit on.
Apply AED pads
to bare, dry chest.
Make sure cable
is attached to the
AED.

Using an AED (2 of 2)
Stand clear and analyze
the heart rhythm.
Deliver a shock if
indicated.
Perform CPR for 2
minutes.
Repeat analysis.
Repeat shock and CPR
as needed.

Special
Considerations (1 of 2)
Water
Remove victim from
water.
Dry victims chest.

Children/infants
Use pediatric pads if
available.

Medication patches
Remove patches and
wipe skin.

Special
Considerations (2 of 2)
Implanted devices
Pacemakers and
defibrillators
Avoid placing
electrode pads
over devices if
possible.

AED Maintenance
Preventive
maintenance checks
are recommended.
AED automatically
performs periodic
self-tests.
Check supplies, such
as expiration dates on
electrode pads and
batteries.

AED Manufacturers
Devices and
supplies are
available from
different
manufacturers.
All devices
function similarly.