A Guide to Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

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Automated external defibrillators are swiftly becoming an essential piece of medical technology for use in first aid

. An AED is able to analyse a persons heart rate in an emergency situation to determine if they have a condition that can be counteracted with an electric shock to the heart. An AED will advise the user to stand clear and an electric shock will be applied to the patient, activated either by a touch of a button or automatically dependant on the model. The key advantage to this technology is that it allows people with minimal understanding to be able to successfully administer an electric shock which can save a persons life.

The conditions that can be counteracted are ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia both forms of cardiac arrhythmia. Both of these conditions occur when the heart is beating but is following a life threatening irregular pattern. Ventricular fibrillation is the chaotic beating of the heart which can be a result of ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia occurs when the heart beats too fast to pump blood effectively. Both conditions will lead to asystole, colloquially know as flat lining meaning that there is no electrical cardiac activity.

3-5 minutes is all it takes for either of these conditions to lead to irreversible brain or tissue damage. Every minute that treatment is delayed after the onset of symptoms lowers the survival rate by 10%. With these figures in mind the advantages of successful use of AED systems immediately after the onset of either condition is clear. Automated External Defibrillators automate the diagnosis of these conditions and advise on the appropriate course of action; either to administer a shock or to commence CPR, in the case of asystole.

Most AEDs issue information through spoken commands and by digitally displaying words. A lay person must only follow the instructions given in order to be able to use the equipment. Portable AED equipment is now commonly used across the world. An internationally recognised sign has now been created to encourage uniformity and enhance the global effectiveness of this technology. You can expect to see AED machines in a number of places from large scale events, to public places such as train stations, part of first responders and first aiders kit and now even in peoples homes. The cost of this technology has dropped significantly over the last few years allowing many people who have heart problems to invest in an AED for their house or place of work.
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Suppliers of AED equipment advise that defibrillator training will be beneficial to anybody who finds themselves in an emergency situation of this nature. Although the equipment is relatively straight forward to use, familiarisation with the processes will increase reaction time and reduce the stress levels of the individual who is using the equipment. Aed training will also educate people which emergencies require the use of an Automated External Defibrillator and when medical professionals should take the first action. Defibrillators only for use by medical professionals are manual or semi automated and can perform a greater range of functions than an AED, but use requires specialist knowledge and training. There are a wide range of other First Aid Courses available some of which will prepare you for using the more advanced equipment.

A Guide to Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

By: Amy Stride

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