What Does a Defibrillator Do? The Purpose of an AED

Defibrillator Training: What You Need to Know

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that can cause a range of cardiac abnormalities such as arrhythmia range cardiac abnormalities - ventricular fibrillation, and non-perfusing ventricular tachycardia. For healthcare workers who care for cardiac arrest patients, training on AED use is critical to defibrillate them and restore heart rhythm successfully. This blog will cover an AED and the benefits of taking a training course on its use. We will also provide information on signposting healthcare workers for such classes and the importance of such training in preventing cardiac arrest.

What is the Purpose of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?

In first aid, AED stands for ‘Automated External Defibrillator’. If you encounter a situation where a cardiac arrest may occur, it's essential to know how an AED works. This machine helps save lives by providing mechanical chest compressions to people who have had a heart attack. To use an AED, you must first be trained and certified. Both forms of training require participants to complete an exercise test before receiving actual training on how to use the AEDs in emergencies. AED is an automated machine that analyses the heart, so get trained and certified so you can be a lifesaver!

Untrained or briefly trained laypersons can use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) because they contain technology for analysing heart rhythms. As a result, a layperson can rely on the AED to determine whether a beat is shockable. Making AEDs publicly accessible, AEDs have improved the outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

AEDs are used by trained healthcare personnel less often than manual external defibrillators, according to recent research and does not improve mortality in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrests. Delivering effective CPR may be delayed by AEDs. Stopping chest compressions and providing rescue breathing are standard requirements for diagnosing a rhythm with an AED. As a result, certain guidance bodies, such as the European Resuscitation Council, recommend using manual external defibrillators instead of automated external defibrillators when manual external defibrillators are accessible.

Many first responders carry defibrillators, including firefighters, police officers, and security guards.

A semi-automatic AED detects if a shock is required. After the machine tells you that shocking the casualty is needed, the rescuer must press a button to administer it. The AED will detect the heart rhythm is automatically diagnosed, and the user must step back while the AED device delivers the shock. Defibrillator advanced features, such as a manual override or an ECG display, are available on certain types of AEDs.

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening situation caused by abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrest) is a life-threatening situation caused by impaired heart function. In most cases, ventricular fibrillation (vFib), or irregular, fast heartbeats, leads to sudden death. If you're ever faced with this emergency and can't save yourself, an automated external defibrillator - AED - may be able to help. AEDs work by delivering an electric shock directly to the heart's cells – specifically those that control heartbeat rhythm – to restart it and restore blood flow. Using a defibrillator can prevent death in almost 80% of cases!

What should you know before using an AED?

Before using an AED, you must ensure that everyone in your business knows how to use it. Not only is it a lifesaving device, but also, following the proper lifesaving procedures, you will ensure that you're able to administer emergency care swiftly and effectively. Use an AED if available when you treat cardiac arrest patients. If necessary, the AED will provide Shock treatment within five minutes of cardiac arrest onset; after this time, survival falls drastically from 50% to 2%. Always remember th