How to Use a Home Defibrillator

Approximately 220,000 people suffer heart attacks each year in the US, many of them at home. Having a home defibrillator to use in such an emergency can be a true lifesaver. However, a home defibrillator was unheard of before the Food and Drug Administration finally approved over-the-counter defibrillators for home use in late 2004. Of course, a home defibrillator is only useful if you know how to use it. So, get the all clear first by learning how to properly use a home defibrillator.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Learn How to Use a Home Defibrillator

1. Enroll yourself and your family members in a course to learn how to properly use a home defibrillator. Your local community college may offer such a course, or your local ambulance station, firehouse or hospital can locate a class for you.
2. Read the instruction manual provided with your home defibrillator thoroughly, and view the demonstration video included.
3. Arrange to meet with your doctor so that you and other family members can demonstrate that you know how to use the home defibrillator correctly.
4. Expect the home defibrillator to guide you during its use. It comes equipped with step-by-step voice directions that will tell you how to check the person's pulse, breathing and how and where to place the electrode pads on the chest.
5. Know that the home defibrillator will next automatically check the person's heart rate and will alert you if a shock is needed. If it is, you will be instructed to clear yourself and others away from the path of the voltage and then to push a button to deliver the shock.
6. Be prepared to perform CPR since not all types of cardiac events require an electric shock. If this becomes necessary, the voice activated home defibrillator will guide you through this process as well.
7. Continue working on the patient until an emergency crew can take over.

Tips & Warnings

• Review the instruction manual that accompanied your home defibrillator at least every six months.
• Practice drills at home that might necessitate use of the defibrillator, just as you might a fire drill.
• Keep the home defibrillator located in an accessible place at all times.
• Replace the batteries as needed in the defibrillator, as well as making sure that all other components are kept in good working order.
• Note that the Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator is currently the only AED available for home use without a prescription. All other brands are intended for use by medical staff, ambulance crew and other emergency responders.