AED Information

The device, known as an AED (Automated External Defibrilator), is designed to deliver an electric shock to the patient, in an effort to stop pulseless ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Often, AEDs will have speakers which give audible commands when the AED is opened. Automated Edternal Defibrillators are designed to provide immediate defibrillation to high-risk patients.

Only the cardiac arrest rhythms ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia are normally defibrillated. Adhesive electrodes are designed to be used not only for defibrillation, but also for non-invasive pacing and electrical cardioversion. The anterior electrode is placed on the right, below the clavicle.

In the movies, the defibrillator induces a sudden, violent jerk or convulsion by the patient; in reality, although the muscles may contract, such dramatic patient presentation is rare. It will then set appropriate power levels and signal that a shock is needed. External defibrillators were developed for NASA, by Tom Corbin in 1956, to be used in their human centrifuge at Moffat Field in Mountain View, California.

Studies and Research on AED's:
The studies published thus far led to the statement from the American Heart Association and the Resuscitation Council UK 'not to specify the nature of content or duration of BLS plus AED programs because of the lack of current evidence on which to base any such guidance. In one study three physicians skilled in providing and teaching advanced life support (certified instructors of the European Resuscitation Council) were present and recorded data while each student operated the AED. When comparing time to first shock between semiautomatic and automatic AEDs, the students were significantly faster in both evaluations using the semiautomatic device.

Facts to Consider:
The use of solid-gel electrodes presents a higher risk of burns during defibrillation, since wet-gel electrodes more evenly conduct electricity into the body. An AED contains a battery, a control computer, and electrodes. For many years, the American Heart Association has postulated inclusion of AED use in basic life support training.

AED Usage and Training:
In order to reach the best possible outcome for both the student and the trainee, classes should be held for the students where they could receive all relevant information about CPR and the AED. If the patient does not require defibrillation, units will not allow a shock to be administered. Many students consider that as AEDs are more or less self-explaining, learning by doing would be the best way to teach CPR and BLS.

Upon placing the electrodes on the patient, the control computer in an advanced layout will assess the patient, determining the type of rhythm or arrhythmia present. In light of these studies, providing patients with AEDs at their homes might be a promising strategy for increasing the success rates after sudden cardiac arrest.

If you are looking for additional AED information, you may want to explore DefibrillatorSolutions.com