If you have watched a medical tv show, you must have seen the doctor yelling “clear” before using a device to deliver a jolt of electricity to the patient’s chest to get the patient’s heart beating again. It is this machine that is known as a defibrillator. Its use is not only limited to hospitals and clinics. The device is called an automated external defibrillator (AED). It can be used just about everywhere, from school to home. Many local towns and villages & public places tend to have the device.
What Is An AED?
An automated external defibrillator is used to revive a person who has experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest occurs when there is a disruption in the electrical activity in the heart. It causes an irregular and fast heartbeat. If you experience irregular heart rhythms, it is probably because of the fact that your heart might not be pumping effectively and might even stop.
When a sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the brain and other vital organs do not receive the oxygen and blood they require. Moreover, if one does not get treatment within four minutes, they can end up dying. It is crucial to get the heart’s normal rhythm restored.
If you are having ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, there is a need to use an AED to jolt the heart back to its normal rhythm. It could potentially help save your life.
To keep the blood flowing to your brain and heart, cardiopulmonary resuscitation can prove useful. However, to restore the normal rhythm of the heart, defibrillation is needed.
How Should You Use An AED?
If you see someone who has fainted all of a sudden, chances are that he or she might require an AED. To use the AED effectively, the following tips will come in handy.
- • Check to ensure if the person has a pulse and is breathing.
- • Call for emergency help immediately if the person does not have a pulse and is not breathing. If there is someone present, tell them to call 999 while you administer CPR. However, if you are alone, you will need to contact 999 on your own.
- • Switch on the AED and the device will provide you with voice instructions (Only when instructed to by the Emergency Call Handler).
- • Deliver the shock to the person by standing back and pushing the button.
How Can You Obtain An AED?
A great thing about an AED is that businesses are readily able to purchase them for their workplaces. They are also available for the public to purchase without a prescription. The device is lightweight, portable and can be carried with you on the go. Anyone suffering from severe heart disease is at risk of a sudden cardiac arrest. Hence, there is a need for an AED. However, it is important to consult with your doctor to find out if owning an AED could help save your life.
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