AED deck

Question 1

What are the indications that lean towards use of an AED? When would you exercise contraindication for use of an AED? What are the special circumstances (considerations) you must be aware of before usage of an AED? Should you use an AED while moving?

Answer 1

Indication for use of an AED

• Individual is unresponsive
• Individual is pulseless
• Individual is not breathing

Contraindication (with-hold) for use of an AED

• Patient has a pulse
• Patient is breathing
• Patient is on a metal surface or laying in water

Special circumstances

• Hairy chest: shave areas dwhere you would place the pads, clean, then place pads.
• Water: do not use AED in water, pull victim out of water first. If there is water on victim’s chest, wipe it off first then place AED pads. If victim is lying on snow or a small puddle, you may use the AED.
• Implanted defibrillators and pacemakers: if possible, avoid placing AED pad directly over implanted device, then follow normal steps for AED. If implanted defibrillator delivers shocks, allow 30-60 seconds for implanted defibrillator to complete the treatment cycle before delivering a shock from the AED
• Medication patches, do not put pads over them. Remove them, clean the area, and place the pads if they are in the way.

Never use an AED while moving!

Question 2

Why are there age considerations in use of an AED?

Answer 2

• Chest must be large enough for adult pads (adult pads for 8 years and up)
• Pads must be at least 1/2” apart
• Children require a lower voltage shock (child pads for 8 years and younger)

Question 3

What are shockable rhytms for the AED? What are non-shockable rhythms for the AED?

Answer 3

Shockable Rhythms:

• Ventricular Fibrillation (V Fib)
• Ventricular Tachycardic (V Tach)

Non-shockable Rhythms

• Normal sinus rhythm: normal pulsing of the heart set by the sinoatrial node.
• Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA): electrical activity of a person’s heart is normal but the meachanical heart itself is not responding.
• Asystol: (A.K.A. flatline) a dire form of cardiac arrest in which the heart completely stops beating and there is no electrical activity in the heart; total standstill
• Agonal: a chaotic, bizzare rhythm characterized by flickering contractions of the heart before the heart stops and death ensues.

Question 4

What should we do when the AED operation begins?

Answer 4

• Stop CPR if in progress (after the five cycles, checking for pulse and breathing)
• Verify patient is unresponsive, pulseless, and not breathing
• Have partner resume CPR
• Attach AED (stop CPR once pads are placed)
• Turn on AED
• Follow AED voice prompt
• Place AED on left side of patient - near left ear is optimal
• Attach AED pads per diagram, do not place pads over pacemakers or medication pathces
• Deliver shock when adviced
• Push button (make sure there are no hazards before it is pressed such as jewerly, bra, metal surface, water, people touching, hair shaved, etc…)
• The arms will staightened and back will arch when shocked
• AED will automatically dump charge if not used.

Question 5

What are three results that may occur after shock?

Answer 5

• Pulse is regained - do not remove AED, turn it off
• No pulse - AED indicates “no shock” continue another cycle of CPR
• No pulse - AED indicates “shock” continue another cycle of CPR

Question 6

When should you transport the patient when ALS is not available?

Answer 6

• When patient regains pulse
• After 6 shocks have been delievered
• When you gain 3 consecutive “no shock messages”

Question 7

What should you do after the patient has been resuscitated?

Answer 7

• As post-resuscitation care, keep an AED on the patient
• Perform a pulse check every 30-60 seconds

Question 8

What are some safety considerations to be aware about when using an AED?

Answer 8

• Human and mechanical error
• Watch out for inappropriate shocks or failure to shock.

Question 9

What should you do in regards to AED maintenance?

Answer 9

• Check the AED and supplies
  
  • Case in good condition; undamaged
  • Charged batteries
  • Spare batteries
  • Spare electrodes
  • Towel
  • Razor