When an individual experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, the heart is experiencing an abnormal heart rhythm. The best chance of survival in sudden cardiac arrest will occur if an electrical shock can be delivered to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. The use of an AED, or automatic external defibrillator, can deliver the shock and help restore a normal rhythm.
Function
An AED is a computerized electrical device that will interpret or analyze the heart's rhythm. The AED will only deliver shocks to life-threatening rhythms that are be able to be converted to normal rhythms. The delivery of an electrical shock will briefly stop all electrical activity of the heart. This brief break from the previous unorganized rhythm can be enough for the heart to restart with a normal rhythm.
Features
There are a number of AED models on the market, but all are designed to be easy to use. They can be found in airports, schools and public buildings. They are programmed to tell the user exactly what to do through voice prompting and visual cues. Electrode pads are connected to the patient's bare chest. The AED will then analyze or interpret the heart rhythm. If the AED determines that the patient has a shockable rhythm, it will instruct the user and all others around the patient to stand back so a shock can be delivered.
Recommended ages
The AED can be used on both adult and pediatric patients over one year of age. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of the AED in patients less than one year old.
Considerations
The AED alone will not replace the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, during a cardiac arrest. CPR is necessary to keep oxygen flowing to the brain.The combination of early recognition, CPR and an AED can improve the prognosis for survival from a sudden cardiac arrest.
Expert Insight
By knowing how to perform CPR and to use the AED you can help to save a life. If you come across a person who is unresponsive, call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services in your area and bring the AED.
References
- "ACEP": Automatic AED's
- "Pediatric Advanced Life Support"; American Heart Association; 2006
