first aid Archives - CPR and AEDCPR and AED

Defibrillation As A First Aid Technique

August 19th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in First Aid Traning - (0 Comments)

Child AED Pads

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.

defibrillation, first aid

Know More About AED’s – Facts

March 28th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Automated External Defibrillators - (0 Comments)

It is estimated that hundreds of people die each day because of sudden heart problems in Canada. AED first aid can be carried out by any person as long as one has undergone training on how to use the device effectively.

Automated External Defibrillators or AED refer to computerized devices that help people save the life of a victim of cardiac arrest. The device has the ability to monitor the rhythm of the heart and can deliver electric shock to the chest when required just like the paddle defibrillator that was used in the hospital. One of the major causes of cardiac arrest is abnormalities of the heartbeat that makes it unable to pump blood to body organs and the brain.

CPR is a Must with AED

One important point that should be noted is that AED first aid cannot be used as a substitute for CPR. Any person who has undergone training on how to use AED must be trained in CPR. This is because CPR is a key step in helping establish blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the body. The device may also instruct the first aider to continue with CPR as it analyses how the heart of the victim is beating. Studies have shown that even when CPR is given, there are higher rate of death if defibrillation is not done immediately.

How to Setup an AED

The first step when using defibrillator is to check the condition of the victim to find how he or she responds and then call emergency service providers. If the victim does not show any signs of breathing or has abnormal breathing, you should start CPR. Then you need to check if there is pulse and in case there isn’t, you should turn on the AED. A second rescuer should move on to use CPR until the defibrillator is attached.

AED Trainer for First Aid and CPR

An AED contains patches or electro pads that are applied to the chest of the victim. They are connected to a computerized monitoring device that delivers the electric current. There are a wide variety of AED’s, but all of them work in the same way. After application of the patches to the chest of the patient, it records and makes an evaluation of the rhythm of the heart. You just need to follow the instructions through text messages, lights and verbal prompts given by the device. The good thing is that with proper training, it is easy to carry out AED first aid without having to take the patient to the hospital.

AED first aid, CPR, defibrillation, first aid

Know More about AED First Aid Training

February 13th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Automated External Defibrillators - (0 Comments)

There are several AED first aid training programs provided by different organizations in Canada. The courses and programs are developed with the aim of educating people about instant cardiac arrest. This is a situation where the heart fails instantly and stops to pump or supply blood to body organs and the brain. In case such a situation occurs without the presence of the device, the victim is likely to die. The training courses are designed in a way that the trainees understand how to respond quickly to treat victims of this problem. It is good to note that during such a situation, wasting two minutes may result to death. This calls for someone to be adequately trained on how to deal with the situation. The AED first aid training offered by approved organizations in Canada ensures that the deaths occurring out of such situations are reduced.

Pads and cords for AED first aid training

Where to get AED Training?

During the training, trainees are educated on the best ways of conducting CPR and operation of an AED. In Canada, the training is mostly offered through public education, community forums, defibrillation programs, online courses or other media. It is offered by recognized organizations such as Canadian Red Cross, St. John ambulance and others. The content is developed by highly qualified staff or professionals who deliver the best AED techniques to the trainees.

Content and requirements for the training?

AED training focuses on hands on training and provides skills on how to save life by use of the device. All the courses in the country meet the international standards. Most of the organizations that offer this training require the trainees to be thirteen years and above. They are also required to hold certificates in standard first aid. For those without this certificate, basic first aid training is provided before starting the course. With the basic first aid skills, it becomes easy to understand and use the device effectively.
The content of the training focuses on the best practices while using the device in order to save a life. Some of the major content of AED first aid training course includes the following.

• Assessment of the patient and the incidence in order to understand the right step to take.
• How to use AED on a casualty without causing any problems.
• The general guidelines on how to use the defibrillator.
• How to keep records of information or preparation of sample report form.
• Handing over the case to emergency services

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Mistakes to Avoid when Using an AED

February 13th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Automated External Defibrillators - (0 Comments)

AED setup

There is a lot of information on using an AED in case of a cardiac arrest. The information includes the obvious mistakes to avoid such as touching a victim during the analysis or when the shock is delivered. However, there are other mistakes that should be avoided in order to attain the major goal of the process. The following are some of the situations in which the use of this device can lead to more harm or make it ineffective. For anyone planning to use the different types of AEDs in the market, these mistakes should be avoided.

Using an AED on a child less than a year

This device should not be applied to any kid who is one year or less, regardless of whether the child is equipped with pediatric pads. These pads are designed to be used on children who are more than one year old. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR for children should be done while the child awaits the arrival of an ambulance.

Use of mobile phones during analysis

The technology of using an AED is a incredibly advanced, but other technologies such as mobile phones or radio waves can cause interruption in the analysis performed. Therefore, it is a great mistake to use a mobile phone while within six feet of the victim. The interruption caused may make the process ineffective leading to the death of the victim. Other mistakes to avoid include defibrillating a victim near a gasoline, other highly flammable substances or near a moving vehicle.

Avoid defibrillating a victim while in contact with water

The device should not be used on cardiac arrest victims who are in contact with water. The victim should be removed from any contact with water before defibrillation is conducted.

It should not be used when a victim is still wearing a nitroglycerin or any other kind of patch on the chest. The patches or nitroglycerin worn by persons with cardiac compromise should only be removed using a glove. This is mostly important in case of a nitroglycerin that is absorbed through the skin.

Times that AED may not be used

Using an AED on a victim who has lost large amount of blood many not be of great help. Another instance when you may waste a lot of time using the device and gain no benefit is when it is used on a victim suffering from hypothermia.

AED, automated external defribillator, first aid