Defibrillation makes reference to the use of a special device pin order to send electric shock waves to the heart with the aim of restoring its natural rhythm. Unlike many first aid techniques that can be carried out in the absence of equipment, this procedure requires the use of a defibrillator. The gadget used is commonly known as an AED, in full, automatic external defibrillator. It is because of the use of this gadget that many training centers provide CPR and AED training. What makes defibrillation important?
The sudden increase in persons with cardiac arrest across the world is what makes it important for individuals to undergo AED training where skills required for proper defibrillation will be taught. One of the factors that users would cite in previous years as far as first aid for cardiac arrests is concerned was the cost of getting gadgets such as AEDs. The good news is that in recent years, the cost of getting such has decreased significantly with many more brands available at the disposal of clients. What’s more, the availability of AED’s has eased so that you can always place your orders whether online or at a chemist store.
Even if you are not in a position to get an AED to allow you to carry out defibrillation in case of an emergency, it is still imperative to undergo this training so that you are adequately prepared should an emergency arise. Part of the reason for this is that these days you are likely to find an AED at business premises, shopping malls, schools and hotels among many other public places. You are better off well trained and an emergency does not arise than for an emergency to occur and you have no idea where to start even with the gadgets required for defibrillation.
How exactly does the use of the AED work during first aid?
When a victim’s heart stops beating, the only solution lies in the use of devices that will cause electrical heart activity to cease before it can be set in proper rhythm. The process of stopping electrical activity in the heart is known as depolarization. So vital is this technique that scientists have come up with gadgets that can be used by just about anyone.
To understand how the AED works and what role it plays during defibrillation, one would have to understand the functioning of the heart. Since the work of the heart of to pump blood, the dual modes of action are both mechanical and electrical in nature. The mechanical function is influenced by electrical functionality of the heart. This electrical aspect on the other hand, works due to the exchange of electrolytes thus allowing for electric current to flow. When the heart stops beating, this current ceases. To resuscitate someone, it is imperative to introduce a current that will restore the normal functioning of the heart with regard to the electrical functionality. AEDs will often come with instructions to use depending on the manufacturer, but all of them use the same principle.