CPR and AED Use

What is an AED? 

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a computerized medical device.  An AED can check a person’s heart rhythm.  It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock.  And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed.  The AED uses voice prompts, lights, and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.

AEDs are very accurate and easy to use.  Lay rescuers with very short training time can operate an AED safely.  When an adult does not respond, you should phone 911 and get the AED, then start CPR.  If the unresponsive victim has no normal breathing and no signs of circulation, you should use an AED.  Immediate CPR and use of an AED within a few minutes will give the victim the best chance of survival.

There are many different brands of AEDs, but you can use the same basic steps to operate all AEDs.  You turn on the AED, then you attach the AED to the victim’s bare chest with 2 adhesive electrode pads.  (Adult pads are hardwired to the AED for use on anyone over the age of 8.  Infant/child pads are located in the cabinet, clearly marked for use on children and infants.  Children are defined as age 1-8, and infants below the age of 1).  After the AED is attached to the victim, it analyzes the heart rhythm to see if a shock is needed.  You must “clear” the victim.  This means that you must be sure that no one touches the victim while the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm.  The AED may tell you to deliver a shock (”shock advised”).  Once you “clear” the victim and you are sure that no one is touching the victim, you press the SHOCK button to deliver a shock.  After the shock is delivered, the AED will analyze the heart rhythm again, so you should not touch the patient until the AED tells you to do so.  Sometimes the AED tells you that “no shock is advised”.  This may mean that the victim has a normal rhythm (if signs of circulation are present) or that CPR is needed (if signs of circulation are absent).

An AED should be used only when the victim has no response, has no normal breathing, and has no signs of circulation.  If someone is available to phone 911 and get the AED, you should give CPR until the AED arrives for the victim.  Once the AED is at the victim’s side, you should turn it on and follow the voice prompts.

FYI:  AEDs in the Community

A victim of sudden cardiac arrest will have the best chance for survival if you give the victim immediate CPR and use an AED within a few minutes.  To make AEDs available to the largest number of victims of sudden cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association supports placing AEDs throughout the community in lay rescuer AED programs.  These programs are often known as Public Access Defibrillation programs. 

These programs place AEDs in the hands of rescuers who are trained in CPR and use of the AED.  These rescuers can include police, security guards, family members of patients at high risk, and trained first aid providers.  Lay rescuer AED programs are directed by a physician or other healthcare provider and are linked with the local EMS system.

AED programs are present in many public places, such as stadiums, airports, airplanes, and an increasing number of worksites.  Lay AED rescuers in these programs should be trained in CPR and use of an AED.  When an AED is available, rescuers can use it within the first few minutes.  The combination of CPR and early defibrillation greatly increases the victim’s chance of survival

The AEDs received through the Ohio Schools AED program are a part of such a Public Access Defibrillation program.  Joyce Jackson is the district coordinator, certified by the American Heart Association.  She works closely with Hanco and the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center.  Both agencies provide training for instructors, and assistance in operation and management of the AEDs.