Automated external defibrillators (AED) has become the primary answer to fight sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) and other related heart conditions. SCA is the result of ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia, occurring when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. As for AEDs, there are two available distinct versions: fully automated AED and semi-automated AED.
Fully Automated AED Utilization
A short introduction to a fully automated AED utilization procedure is described here [1].
- Switch the device on by pushing the corresponding button (some AEDs, like Mindray BeneHeart C Series AED, automatically power on once the lid gets opened).
- Take off the affected person’s clothes, revealing their bare chest.
- Make certain of nobody or any kind of metal objects come into contact with the victim’s body.
- Apply the AED pads on the patient’s chest. Depending on the manufacturer, some AEDS are designed with pre-connected pads, therefore not needing to be connected to the console.
- Let the AED to self-initiate the analysis and defibrillation process; or, in the case of using a semi-automated AED, press the button to discharge the electric shock when advised by the AED.
Following the defibrillation, start performing CPR until the affected person is revived and can breathe by himself. Remember that you must not touch the patient when the AED is discharging the shock.
Even though the AEDs are also thought to be used by not medical professionals, keep in mind that training is highly recommended before using the defibrillator.
General Guidelines
Here is some further information to know while using both fully automated or semi-automated AEDs:
- As stated in the United States Good Samaritan laws, a person operating an AED device in good conscience to save a life during sudden cardiac arrest situations is not to be considered liable or to be prosecuted by authorities due to the other person’s death. This clause was made to promote action to try to help other people during a life-threatening situation.
- Fully automatic AEDs have been set up to automatically analyze the patient status and accordingly deliver by themselves one or multiple shocks. The whole process requires no other actions by the rescuers except attaching the pads to the patients, relieving them of most of the stress and pressure.
- As for semi-automatic AEDs, when advised by the device, the operator should push the activation button to start analyzing the patient heart rhythm and press the defibrillation switch to deliver the electric shock. This can become a useful feature giving better control of the situation to the users, notably indicated to paramedics.
- Once the AED’s gel pads are applied, some distance needs to be maintained from the victim’s body as people standing by could be electrocuted, resulting in getting harm and reducing the effect of the defibrillation on the patient.
Conclusion
Due to the vital importance of AEDs to save people’s lives, they should always be bought from accredited channels. Mindray, with its 29 years of experience in manufacture, research, and development of medical devices and solutions, is among the leading companies in the industry. Present in over 190 countries, Mindray is a reliable choice when it comes to purchasing equipment designed to satisfied the increasingly high demand for high-quality healthcare worldwide.
References:
[1] AED Steps | redcross.org. (2020). Available at:
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/aed-steps (Accessed: 6 April 2020)
