Australia's Favourite Online Defibrillator & AED Supplier
Australia's Favourite Online Defibrillator & AED Supplier
It’s really simple to use an AED to save a life. Anyone can do it! But there’s more to it than grabbing the device and pressing a button – there are few steps an aed rescuer should do before giving a shock.
One of the most critical things an AED rescuer should do before giving a shock is determining if the patient is breathing. If he is, for the time being his heart is working ok and doesn’t need a shock.
In this article, we’ll dive into the essential steps every AED rescuer should follow before delivering a shock, including the DRSABCD action plan, prepping the chest, applying the electrode pads, and more. We’ll also explore how the “look, listen, and feel” method can help you determine if someone is in cardiac arrest and in need of an AED.
Before even reaching for the AED, it’s vital to assess the situation using the DRSABCD action plan. This acronym, which stands for Danger, Response, Send for Help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation, is a step-by-step guide to managing an emergency in Australia.
First, check for any dangers to yourself, the patient, or bystanders. Then, check for a response by gently shaking the person and asking loudly, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response, send for help by calling 000 or asking someone else to do so.
Next, check the patient’s airway and breathing. If they’re not breathing normally you’ll need to move on to giving CPR and Defibrillating. But how do you tell if someone is breathing?
In the stress of an emergency, checking for pulse can be challenging. Our nerves and the stress of the situation makes it hard. So Australian standards recommend a method called the “look, listen, and feel” method. It is is a quick and effective way to check for signs of life and normal breathing. Here’s how it works:
1. Look: Check for any visible signs of breathing, such as the chest rising and falling.
2. Listen: Place your ear near the person’s mouth and nose to listen for breathing sounds.
3. Feel: Feel for any breathing by placing your hand on the person’s chest.
If you don’t detect any signs of life or normal breathing after using this method for around 10 seconds, it’s likely that the person is in cardiac arrest, and will need defibrillation as their best shot at life.
Once you have the AED, it’s time to put it into action. Power on the device and follow the voice and visual prompts. AEDs are designed to guide you through the process, so trust the machine and listen carefully to its instructions.
Before applying defibrillator pads to their chest, you’ll need to prep the patient’s chest by removing any clothing, shaving or drying the area if necessary, and removing any medication patches.
Next, apply the electrode pads to the patient’s chest according to the AED’s diagrams – typically, one on the upper right side of the chest and the other on the lower left side near the breastbone. Ensure the pads are adhering securely to the skin.
Once the pads are in place, the AED will begin analyzing the patient’s heart rhythm. Everyone must stand clear of the patient to avoid interfering with the analysis and to prevent accidental shocks.
The AED will determine whether a shock is needed based on the heart rhythm it detects. If a shock is advised, the device will instruct you to deliver the shock. If no shock is advised, the AED will guide you to continue CPR.
Using an AED can be a daunting task, but by following the steps an aed rescuer should do before giving a shock, you can ensure that you’re providing the best possible care and maximizing the chances of a successful rescue.
Remember, the “look, listen, and feel” method is a quick and effective way to determine if someone is in cardiac arrest and in need of an AED. If you’re unsure about how to use an AED or want to learn more, consider taking a first aid course that includes AED training.
For a more comprehensive guide on using a defibrillator, check out our article: How to Use a Defibrillator: A Step-by-Step Guide
In an emergency, every second counts. By knowing the crucial steps to take before delivering an AED shock, you can be prepared to save a life when it matters most.
