The Basics
What does AED stand for?
Automated External Defibrillator
What do you do if male has a hairy chest?
Most AEDs have razors, gloves, scissors in case or attached to them. Attempt to shave chest if necessary.
You are asked to go grab AED for an elderly spectator at football game. Can you use the AED without special training?
Yes AEDs are designed to be user friendly and safety features will not let an AED deliver an unnecessary shock
Adult pads can be used on an infant?
TRUE but pediatric pads can not be used on an infant! (Can even be used on a newborn if necessary)
What is the first thing you should do?
Turn it on as soon as you grab it, some models do a self test and will take up valuable time
Where are they located?
Widely available in businesses, schools, churches and should be in plain site within reach of the general public
Can you use the AED in the rain?
Yes but avoid standing water if possible. AEDS are designed for real world situations/weather.
The elderly spectator at the football game has a pain patch on his right chest below collarbone. Now what?
Remove patch and wipe clean if possible
You should stop CPR while placing the pads on patient?
False! Try to reach around if possible so CPR is not interrupted
The AED is in good working order but the pads expired 6 months ago. Can you still use them?
Yes as long as they still stick to the patients chest you can use them.
What type of emergencies require an AED?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Do you need to remove the patients piercings before shocking a patient?
No but avoid placing pads on a piercing if possible.
A 16 year old male collapses on the gym floor at the end of the 3rd quarter. They are soaked with sweat? Now what
Dry chest if possible
You should stop CPR while the AED is analyzing?
True
AED placement on an infant?
One on center of chest and one on the back between shoulder blades.
What do you need to do before pressing "shock"?
Say "Stand Clear" and make sure nobody is touching the patient!
Can you use an AED on a a pregnant female?
Yes you can. Without Mother there is no baby.
You apply AED to the 16 year old athlete and it says "no shock advised" Now what?
Begin CPR
AED's will shock all patients that have had a sudden cardiac arrest
False and AED will only deliver a shock to a heart that is experiencing fibrillation
AED placement on an Adult?
Right below right collarbone and lower left chest
How often will the AED analyze patient to see if they are in a shockable rhythm?
Every 2 minutes (good time to switch caregivers)
Can you use and AED on someone that has a pacemaker?
Yes but do not place the pads directly on the implanted pacemaker. Place about an inch away if possible.
After 2 sets of CPR the AED has you deliver a shock. Person starts to breath and now has a pulse. Now what?
You should use an AED even if you are unsure if person has a pulse.
True. An AED is not going to shock someone that does not need to be shocked
You are standing behind patient and get you left and right mixed up and but the patches on the wrong way? Will the AED still be able to analyze?
Yes modern AEDs are "non-polarized" so they will still provide a shock if patches are reversed.