AEDs (automated external defibrillator) is a medical device that can analyze the heart rhythm automatically and provide an electric shock to restore the heart rhythm if needed. This tool serves to help people in cardiac arrest.
Most cases of cardiac arrest occur in people who have heart problems. People who experience cardiac arrest must get help as soon as possible in order to survive.
Before medical help arrives, providing assisted CPR and the use of an AED in a person in cardiac arrest could save his life. This tool is usually equipped with visual instructions and voice instructions to guide rescuers in rescuing the patient. Therefore, AEDs can be used by everyone even if they don't have a medical background.
How to Use AEDs Correctly
It is hoped that the automatic and simple way the AED works will make it easier for anyone in the vicinity of a cardiac arrest patient to provide immediate help, while waiting for medical assistance.
By knowing how to use an AED at home or in a public place where it is available, you can save someone's life. The following is a guide on how to use an AED properly:
- If you notice that someone has suddenly fainted or is unconscious, immediately call for medical assistance or an ambulance. After that, ask someone to find the nearest AED device.
- Check to see if the patient is completely unconscious. If the patient is an adult, try shaking his body or calling out loud. However, if the patient is a small child, do not shake his body, but just pinch it. If the person is conscious or able to respond, do not use the AED.
- If the patient is unconscious, check for breathing and pulse. If the patient is not breathing and the pulse is not palpable, or palpable but irregular, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Chest compressions and CPR can provide temporary oxygen to the patient while waiting for an AED.
- When the AED arrives, make sure the patient's body and the surrounding conditions are completely dry. Remove clothing and other objects attached to the patient's body, such as patches or necklaces.
- After that, turn on the AED. The AED will provide voice guidance on the step-by-step steps you need to take.
- There are two AED electrode plates that must be attached to the patient's chest according to the position shown in the image on the AED. If this electrode plate cable is not already connected directly to the AED, connect it immediately.
- Once the electrodes are attached, stop CPR and press the “analyze” button. Make sure no one is touching the patient's body while the AED is analyzing the heart rate. This is to prevent AED analysis errors.
- After the analysis is complete, the AED will inform the rescuer whether the patient needs to be given an electric shock or not. If the AED says that the patient needs to be electrocuted, make sure that no rescuer has touched the patient's body at all, then press the "shock" in the AED to deliver an electric shock.
- After giving an electric shock, the AED will give directions to the rescuer to check the patient's breathing and pulse. If it does not return, the AED will ask the rescuer to continue CPR. After two minutes, the AED will again analyze the patient's heart rate and determine if another electric shock is needed.
- If an electric shock is not required but the patient has not shown any signs of consciousness, continue to perform CPR as directed by the AED until medical assistance arrives.
Effectiveness of AEDs in Helping PsuffererHeart Stop
Research shows that the error rate of the AED machine in detecting and treating cardiac arrest is very small, which is only about 4%. Most errors occur due to the negligence of the person using the AED device.
An example is if the AED user accidentally ignores instructions to press the electric shock button, still performs chest compressions while the AED analyzes the heart rate, or presses the AED button incorrectly.
However, by knowing how to use the AED device properly, these mistakes can be avoided. Currently, AEDs remain the easiest way to save the lives of people in cardiac arrest, before medical help arrives.
With prompt and appropriate help, the chances of survival for cardiac arrest sufferers can be increased and the chances of being helped. The chances of this help being successful will be higher if AED and CPR are performed as soon as possible.
On the other hand, the longer the patient is left without help, the less likely he is to survive this dangerous condition. If you still have questions about using an AED, you can consult a doctor.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur