18 AED

Using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

The importance of defibrillation has been well estabilished as part of overall resuscitation, in conjunction with effective CPR. An AED must only be used on a victim who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. CPR must be continued until the AED is turned on and pads attached. The rescuer should then follow the AED prompts.

The time to defibrillation is a key factor that influences survival. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, there is approximately 10% reduction in survival if the victim is in cardiac arrest. The development of Automated External Defbrillalators (AEDs) has made defibrillation part of basic life support. AEDs can accurately identify rhythm as "shockable" or "non-shockable".

Use of AED

Introduction

  • Follow the DRS ABCD.
  • If casualty is unresponsive and not or abnormal breathing.
  • Follow the 8 steps listed

Step 1

  • TURN ON

Step 2

  • BARE CHEST
  • Clean and dry if needed.

Step 3

  • Open pad case

Step 4

  • Peel each pad

Step 5

  • Place pads on chest where indicated

Step 6

  • Analysing .....Stand back

Step 7

  • Press flashing orange shock button

Step 8

  • For CPR help: press the flashing blue button

Note: Not not all AEDs are fitted with the CPR Help Button

 

Currency and assessment of CPR skills

CPR skills performance has been shown to decline rapidly following initial achievement of competency. The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends that CPR skills are reassessed at least annually.

The Australian Resuscitation Council recognises that training organisations are required to assess CPR competency. ARC recommends that assessors be cognisant to the intent of the resuscitation community that any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt. As such, assessment should focus on adequate CPR and not on the technicalities of achieving set figures or rates.

ProSkills focus is on good COMPRESSIONS and effective BREATHS

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