How Do You Use An Automatic External Defibrillator?
Using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) on a person in cardiac arrest can dramatically increase survival rates. AEDs are designed to detect the victim’s heart rhythm and provide the appropriate stimulation to restore a normal heartbeat. AEDs are designed so that almost any bystander can administer aid until trained medical professionals can assume treatment. AEDs are often available for emergency use in public locations like airports, shopping malls, schools and sports arenas. Call 911 or designate someone to call 911. Tell this person to come back to you to confirm that they have made the call. Determine if the victim is breathing. Check to see whether the victim’s chest is rising and falling or place your cheek near the victim’s nose and mouth to feel for breathing. If the victim is breathing, he has a pulse and using an AED is unnecessary. If the victim is not breathing, administer rescue breathing and chest compressions (CPR) at the rate of 30 compressions followed by 2 bre
