AEDs are wonderful life-saving devices and the only way to restart a heart or shock it back into a normal rhythm after cardiac arrest. There’s more good news too, AEDs can be used by anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Anyone can - and should - use an AED in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, you do not need any specialised training. AEDs are designed to be used by non-medical personnel, such as firefighters, police officers, lifeguards, flight attendants, security guards, teachers, family members of high-risk persons, and most importantly - bystanders. That includes you!
Once you have found your nearest AED, all you have to do is turn it on and follow the voice instructions. For most AED brands, there will also be illustrated instructions within the AED case, on the pads (showing you where to place them), and on the AED itself. The voice instructions include how and where to apply the pads, how to administer a shock while making sure everyone is clear of the patient, and how to perform CPR. The instructions are made simple and clear enough that even a child with no prior knowledge of an AED can use it. Simply, turn it on, listen, and use the diagrams for guidance.
If you’re still worried that you might mess things up, then don’t let that hold you back! No AED will allow you to administer too many shocks, or any shocks at all if it is not needed. Through the use of heart monitoring technology, the AED will be able to determine
If the sufferer’s heart is beating in a sporadic rhythm, it will then administer a shock or instruct you to.
If the person’s heart is beating normally again and doesn’t need a shock, it will advise you to monitor the patient until emergency help arrives.
Or if someone is touching the sufferer then it will not shock.
In Australia, another reason that you don’t have to worry is due to the Good Samaritan Act in each state. The existence of these Acts means that that if you perform CPR, first aid, or use an AED to assist a person during an emergency, you are protected from liability. This means in the very unlikely event that something happens, you are not held responsible.
But how do you get the person to the AED?
AEDs are portable!
Potential first responders should look for AEDs in public areas such as sports venues, community centres, shopping malls, casinos, amusement parks, airports, airplanes, businesses, convention centres, hotels, schools, and doctors’ offices.
They will generally be in a cabinet or inside a case and can be carried to the location of an SCA sufferer so there’s no need to risk moving them.
It’s important to know where your nearest AED is. They can often be found in highly trafficked areas in well-marked and accessible wall cabinets. Popular locations include hallways, main corridors, near elevators, cafeterias, or main reception areas.
Bystanders play one of the most important roles in saving a life in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, so remember to call, push, shock and don’t hesitate if you think you’ve witnessed SCA. Defibrillators are safe and effective in increasing survival rates and they won’t shock unless it’s needed.
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