How to Defibrillate

When the heart stops beating, a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Heart attacks sometimes lead to SCA, but it can occur independently from a heart attack. SCA results in death if not treated immediately. Anyone who is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and who can administer defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) can help save a life. Applying an electrical shock to the victim with an AED is the only effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF), which is an abnormal heart rhythm. It should be administered within three to five minutes after the person collapses.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have encountered someone who needs defibrillation. Learn the warning signs of someone who might be in cardiac distress. This includes chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, paleness and sweating.

2. Turn on the AED. A computerized voice prompts the rescuer through the steps of the process.

3. Wipe dry the entire chest area and apply the two electrode pads to the specific sections of the victim's chest that are indicated in the diagram that comes with the unit. Depending on the model of AED, you might need to plug the connector into the machine.

4. Wait while the AED analyzes the victim's heart rhythm. If a shock is needed, the machine automatically charges and instructs the rescuer to stand clear of the victim. Some models automatically produce the shock. Others prompt the rescuer to press the shock button.

5. Begin CPR after the shock has been administered. It might be necessary to follow the CPR cycle with another shock. If the machine indicates that a shock is not advised, the rescuer may need to perform only CPR until professional help arrives.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn how to effectively use CPR and AED by taking certification classes offered by hospitals, other health organizations, volunteer fire departments and through nonprofits such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Call 911 or have someone else call when you are starting CPR and using an AED on someone

References

• CPR/AED training from the American Red Cross