According the American Heart Association, over 294,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest. While most common in adults with coronary artery disease, sudden cardiac arrest can strike people of all ages. Defibrillation, or restoring a heartbeat, can double the chance of survival in these cases. Automated external defibrillator (AED) machines are available in many public places, including schools, recreation centers, senior centers, and hospitals. The American Heart Association offers certification courses in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Instructions
Operate an AED Machine
1. Ensure machine is in working order and in a convenient location. Also, request a bystander call 911 for emergency medical assistance
2. Verify person is in cardiac arrest with no respiration, pulse, or consciousness. The American Heart Association states an AED should not be used on a person under eight years old. (See Reference 2) For all persons at least eight years old, place electrodes and operate the machine in the same manner.
3. Turn on AED machine by pushing the ON/OFF button. A light will come on indicating the machine is ready.
4. Prepare person for electrode placement by placing him or her on the back on a hard surface, removing clothing from the upper torso, removing excess hair from electrode sites, and cleaning/drying the skin if it is dirty. Materials for cleaning the skin are not included in the AED kit. If you clean the skin with water, dry the skin completely with a towel or gauze to prevent risk of electrocution. Do not apply alcohol to the skin.
5. Apply electrodes firmly to the chest. Place the electrode marked with a heart or a plus sign (+) lateral to the left nipple on the left side under the arm. Place the other electrode on the upper right torso next to the sternum beneath the collar bone.
6. Connect the electrode cord to the AED machine. The machine will display a "Connect Electrodes" message until the cords are properly connected. (See Reference 2)
7. Follow screen messages and voice prompts from the AED machine. The machine will prompt you to "Stand Clear," which means you must not touch the person, the AED machine, or other items in contact with the person, such as clothing or bedding. Following automatic analysis, the AED machine may prompt, "Shock Advised." Then, it will prompt, "Stand Clear" and "Push To Shock." After shocking once, the AED machine will analyze the person again.
8. Continue to follow prompts. Following analysis after the first shock, it may prompt you to repeat the shock. If so, go back to Step 7. If it prompts "No Shock Advised," it will prompt you to Check For Pulse or
9. "Check For Pulse" as prompted by the AED machine if the voice prompt states "No Shock Advised."
10. Start CPR if the AED machine prompts, "If No Pulse, Start CPR." Following CPR, the machine will prompt you to "Check For Pulse." At this point, repeat Steps 7 through 10 based on the AED machine prompts until emergency medical assistance arrives.
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