How much do you know about automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and the use of AED devices? When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs, the patient’s heart usually beats abnormally, at a dangerous rate. An AED device delivers a strong electrical shock to the patient’s heart, which can restore the heart to a normal rhythm and potentially save the individual’s life.
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Public places such as schools and stations widely see AEDs as essential, especially where the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest is higher. AEDs are robust and easy to use, even for inexperienced people. The compact size of these AEDs also makes them convenient for rescuers to carry around. To be better prepared for the sudden occurrence of SCA, it is vital for everyone working in public places to know some basic knowledge of AED.
5 Things You Should Know About AEDs
Here are five essential things about AEDs and their use.
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1.AEDs are helpful in saving lives?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of fatal death worldwide. SCA kills more than 17 million people each year[1]. Delaying defibrillation decreases the chances of survival by nearly 10% for every minute that passes. AEDs can significantly improve patients' survival chances when resuscitation is used immediately after cardiac arrest. First responders find that reacting to emergencies is more accessible due to the power of a defibrillator. Responders should know that AEDs can be used for patients of all ages. AEDs can treat both children and elderly patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
2. Everyone can use AEDs
If someone is experiencing cardiac arrest, the person standing nearby may have the best chance of saving his life. AEDs should be used to restore the heart to a normal rhythm in the first place. AEDs are easy to operate for bystanders with zero experience. Most AEDs have voice prompts. For example, Mindray BeneHeart C2 has on-screen guidance. The user interface and device design follow the “simplest is best” approach. The device starts working once the lid is opened, which matches most people’s subconscious operating habits. Mindray's AEDs display fewer buttons while emphasizing the critical ones. The electric shock button is often in the most conspicuous position on defibrillators. This friendly design allows the general public to use the AED accurately.
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The number of AEDs is slowly growing in public places. When someone goes into SCA, an onlooker can immediately find the nearest AED and use the device to provide life-saving treatment. Typically AEDs placement is in noticeable locations, so they are quickly accessible to most people. Familiar places for AEDs are:
- Schools?
- Gymnasiums
- Large office building?
- Shopping centers
- Community centers
- Train stations
- Airports
- Temples, Churches, and other places for worship
3. AEDs can be properly used for patients of all ages
The original design of AEDs was intended for adults; children and infants can only use the same dose of joules as adults if there’s emergency. AED manufacturers have made significant improvements in recent years accordingly. The differences lie in doses of joules and placement of AED pads.[1] To meet the different needs, AEDs accommodating all ages with convenient switches between adult and children mode have made available, with normal pads and pediatric pads prepared alongside.
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It is common to find pediatric electrode pads in AEDs so children under 8, including infants, can be safely treated. Pediatric pads combined with AEDs release less energy than adult pads, making them safer for children.
4. AEDs are easy to use
Advances in medical technologies have facilitated the use of AEDs. For example, Mindray’s BeneHeart C Series AEDs are simple to use. These devices can analyze heart rhythms and guide the actions of the responder. They are easy to operate, requiring minimal involvement. ResQNaviTM technology used by Mindray’s AEDs will guide the rescue process and intelligently analyze the operational proficiency resulting in a more effective rescue. The responder never has to worry about hurting the patient or being afraid to use the AED without expertise.
5. What to do after using an AED
Extra work is still needed even after a successful rescue with an AED, including:
- Help the patient get to the nearest hospital for professional examination and treatment. Always remember to contact EMS first. Record the time and how the patient was treated and inform paramedics upon arrival. Most EMS agencies will ask you to fill out a document that provides vital information about the incident.
- After using the AED, please return it to the original location. Inform the service team to check the status of the AED and its battery level. The service team will replace disposable pieces such as electrodes and prepare the device for future use.
For thirty years, Mindray's vision has offered better healthcare for people worldwide. And we have achieved this vision by translating advanced technology into innovative healthcare solutions. The BeneHeart C-Series AED is an example of using technology to help responders treat patients through thoughtful voice prompts or animation. This technology increases non-specialists’ confidence in using AEDs. Mindray AEDs improve resuscitation outcomes for cardiac arrest patients by designing our devices to be easier to operate and a faster release of the first shock. Mindray’s flexible network connectivity solution—the AED Alert system—provides a quick and effective way to manage AEDs remotely, ensuring a more rapid emergency response. By integrating the above-advanced technologies, Mindray’s AEDs have successfully saved 131 lives in China.?
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Explore? more of our AED solutions now.
Reference:
[1] Sudden Cardiac Death and Arrhythmias. Available at: https://www.aerjournal.com/articles/sudden-cardiac-death-and-arrhythmias (Accessed: 10 May 2022)
