How to Use a Defibrillator (AED) - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance
30 Aug 201604:13
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script explains the critical role of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest. It emphasizes that AEDs can be used by anyone, regardless of training, to administer an electric shock to the heart, potentially saving a life. The script outlines the steps to use an AED, from calling emergency services, performing CPR, to following the device's voice and visual prompts for pad application and shock delivery. It underscores the importance of immediate response and the device's guidance in handling such emergencies, encouraging public support for organizations like St John Ambulance.

Takeaways
  • 🚨 AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a critical device for cardiac arrest situations.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 An AED can be used on adults and children over 1 year old, making it a versatile emergency tool.
  • 🆘 Prompt use of an AED before ambulance arrival can significantly increase survival chances in cardiac arrest cases.
  • 👍 Anyone can operate an AED as it guides users with voice and visual prompts, ensuring correct procedure without medical expertise.
  • 📞 In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and request an AED if one is available on-site.
  • 🚨 If alone, make the emergency call and start CPR with chest compressions without leaving the casualty to find an AED.
  • 🔋 When AED arrives, continue CPR and ask for it to be switched on to receive immediate instructions.
  • 🌟 Follow the AED's prompts for pad application and be prepared for it to deliver a shock if required.
  • 🛌 If the casualty becomes responsive, place them in a recovery position and keep the AED attached, following further instructions.
  • 📋 Remember to ask for people to stand back during AED analysis and shock delivery for safety.
  • 💡 Support organizations like St John Ambulance that provide educational resources on AED usage and first aid.
Q & A

  • What is an AED?

    -An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a life-saving device that provides an electric shock to the heart during a cardiac arrest.

  • Who can use an AED?

    -Anyone can use an AED, as it gives visual and voice prompts to guide through each step of the process, ensuring correct usage.

  • For what age group can an AED be used?

    -An AED can be used on adults and children over 1 year old.

  • How does using an AED before the arrival of an ambulance impact survival chances?

    -Using an AED in the crucial minutes before an ambulance arrives can significantly increase someone's chance of survival.

  • What should you do if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally?

    -If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you should ask someone to call emergency services (999 or 112), request an AED if available, and start CPR with chest compressions if you are alone.

  • What should you do while waiting for an AED?

    -You should continue performing CPR with chest compressions while waiting for an AED. Do not leave the casualty to look for an AED yourself.

  • What should you do when the AED arrives?

    -When the AED arrives, ask for it to be switched on while continuing CPR. Follow the AED's visual and verbal prompts for the steps to take.

  • What are the AED voice prompts for preparing to shock?

    -The AED voice prompts for preparing to shock include asking everyone to stand clear and not touch the patient, followed by an instruction to deliver the shock.

  • What should you do if the casualty shows signs of becoming responsive?

    -If the casualty shows signs of becoming responsive, place them in the recovery position and continue to follow the AED's voice and/or visual prompts until help arrives.

  • How long should you continue CPR after the AED re-analyses the heart rhythm?

    -You should continue CPR for two minutes after the AED re-analyses the heart rhythm before it prompts you again.

  • What is the importance of the pads in the AED?

    -The pads in the AED are crucial as they are applied to the bare skin of the casualty and used to deliver the electric shock to the heart.

  • How should you support St John Ambulance if you found the video helpful?

    -If you found the video helpful, you can support St John Ambulance by visiting their donation page at sja.org.uk/donate.

Outlines
00:00
🚨 Understanding and Using an AED

The paragraph provides a comprehensive guide on the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a critical device for cardiac arrest emergencies. It explains that AEDs can be used on adults and children over one year old to increase survival chances when used promptly. The script emphasizes that AEDs are designed to be user-friendly, offering visual and voice prompts to ensure correct usage. It outlines the steps to take when encountering an unresponsive individual, including calling emergency services, performing CPR, and utilizing an AED if available. The paragraph also details the AED's voice prompts, such as removing clothing, applying pads, and delivering shocks, and advises on what to do after a shock is delivered. The importance of following AED instructions and continuing CPR is stressed until emergency help arrives. The paragraph concludes by encouraging viewers to support St John Ambulance, reinforcing the value of such educational resources.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡AED
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest. It is crucial for saving lives as it can be used by anyone, regardless of medical training, to increase the chance of survival before professional help arrives. The video script emphasizes the importance of using an AED as part of the emergency response process.
💡Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest refers to the sudden loss of heart function, where the heart stops beating effectively, preventing blood from circulating through the body. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention, such as the use of an AED, to restore the heart's rhythm and increase the likelihood of survival. The video script highlights the critical role of AEDs in responding to cardiac arrests.
💡Defibrillator
A defibrillator is a medical device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to correct a life-threatening heart rhythm. In the context of the video, an AED is a type of defibrillator designed for use by the general public during emergencies. The script underscores the life-saving potential of defibrillators, particularly when used promptly in response to cardiac arrest.
💡CPR
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency procedure performed to restore blood circulation and breathing in someone who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. The video script instructs the viewer to perform CPR with chest compressions until an AED arrives, emphasizing its importance in maintaining blood flow to the brain and other vital organs during cardiac arrest situations.
💡Emergency Help
Emergency help refers to the immediate assistance provided in response to a critical situation, such as cardiac arrest. The video script instructs viewers to call 999 or 112, the emergency numbers, to alert professional responders and obtain further guidance. This step is crucial in the chain of survival, ensuring that the person in distress receives the necessary medical attention as quickly as possible.
💡Unresponsive
In the context of the video, 'unresponsive' describes a person who does not respond to stimuli and is not breathing normally, indicating a potential medical emergency. The script provides instructions on what to do if someone is unresponsive, including initiating CPR and using an AED, to address the situation effectively.
💡Rhythm
Rhythm, in the context of the heart, refers to the regular pattern of electrical signals that cause the heart to beat. The AED in the video script analyzes the heart's rhythm to determine whether a shock is needed to restore a normal heartbeat. Understanding the heart's rhythm is essential for the proper use of a defibrillator and the effectiveness of the treatment.
💡Pads
Pads are essential components of an AED that are applied to the patient's chest to deliver the electric shock. The video script provides detailed instructions on how to apply the pads correctly and emphasizes the importance of following the AED's voice prompts to ensure proper placement and effective defibrillation.
💡Shock
A shock, as used in the context of the AED, refers to the electric current delivered to the heart to reset its rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest. The video script outlines the process of delivering a shock with an AED, including the safety precautions and the necessary steps to prepare for the shock, such as ensuring no one touches the patient.
💡Voice Prompts
Voice prompts are the auditory instructions provided by the AED to guide the user through the process of using the device. The video script highlights the importance of following these prompts, which are designed to ensure that the AED is used correctly and safely, even by individuals without medical training.
💡Recovery Position
The recovery position is a safe way to lay an unconscious person on their side to help maintain an open airway and prevent choking if they become sick or vomit. In the video script, it is mentioned as a position to place someone in if they show signs of becoming responsive after using an AED, indicating an improvement in their condition.
Highlights

An AED is a life saving device that can give your heart an electric shock when it has stopped in a cardiac arrest.

AED is short for 'Automated External Defibrillator'.

An AED can be used on adults and children over 1 year old.

Using an AED in crucial minutes before an ambulance arrives can increase someone's chance of survival.

Anyone can use an AED, as the machine analyses the casualty's heart's rhythm and provides prompts to guide you through each step.

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, ask someone to call 999 or 112 for emergency help.

If you are alone, make the emergency call yourself and start CPR with chest compressions.

Do not leave the casualty to look for an AED; keep doing CPR until someone brings an AED.

As soon as the AED arrives, ask for it to be switched on while CPR is continued.

The AED will give you a series of visual and verbal prompts, informing you of what needs to be done.

AED voice prompts guide you through actions such as calling for help, removing clothing, and applying pads to the patient's chest.

The AED evaluates heart rhythm and prepares to shock if necessary, with clear voice prompts to stand clear and not touch the patient.

After delivering a shock, the AED instructs to provide chest compressions and rescue breaths, and may advise to continue CPR.

If the casualty shows signs of becoming responsive, place them in the recovery position and leave the AED attached.

Continue to follow the AED's voice and/or visual prompts until help arrives.

Remember to call 999 or 112 for emergency help, continue CPR when the AED arrives, and ensure pads are placed correctly on the chest.

This educational content is provided by St John Ambulance, supporting their efforts in teaching life-saving techniques.

Transcripts

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LifesavingCardiac ArrestAED InstructionsEmergency ResponseHealthcarePublic SafetyCPR GuideFirst AidHealth Education