How to Properly Use an AED (automated external defibrillator)

When a person is not breathing and has no visible signs of a pulse, and rescue breathing and compressions associated with CPR are not working, it will be a must to use the AED machine. For every minute an AED machine is not put to use, a victim's life decreases by 10%. This is a portable device that not only diagnoses the cardiac rhythms of the victim, but when it detects that there is none, it administers electrical therapy in order to enable the heart to reestablish a rhythm.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• an AED machine
• knowledge of CPR
• knowledge of using the AED

1. Decide whether it is imperative to apply the use of an AED machine.

2. Check for signs of life. Is the victim breathing? Is their a pulse? To check for signs of breathing, simply place one hand on the victim's forehead and two fingers from your other hand on the victim's chin. If the chest is not rising and their is no pulse, send someone to call 911 and bring back the AED machine if one is available.

3. Before the AED machine is ready to use, you will want to perform CPR in the meantime. Remember time is crucial. For every minute the AED machine is not applied, a victim's life decreases by 10%.

4. Make sure your surroundings are safe when the AED machine arrives.

5. Tell all people to stand back.

6. Follow the instructions on the AED machine. You will place one pad on the upper right side of the chest, and one on the lower left.

7. The AED machine will diagnose the heart rhythm and will tell you if shock is needed. Only apply shock if the victim has no pulse and the machine tells you to.

8. Usually when a shock is advised, the machine will tell you to continue CPR until another shock is issued.

9. Sometimes only one shock is needed, so please may attention to what the machine commands.

10. Remember CPR will consist of thirty compressions that are 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches deep followed by two rescue breaths.

11. Continue following the commands of the AED machine until an ambulance arrives.

Tips & Warnings

• take CPR classes if you are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the procedures associated with them
• Never apply an AED to a person who is breathing and has a pulse