AED Certification

If you want to be properly qualified you should take your CPR AED Certification. While CPR can save lives, it is the quick and proper application of an AED device that really gives the casualty the best chance of survival. You should not use an automatic external defibrillator unless you have been properly trained.

Why get your AED certification?

AED certification means that you will be able to use an automatic external defibrillator should the need arise. When someone suffers a cardiac arrest their heart stops beating and therefore the blood and oxygen do not go around the body. If the heart doesn’t start again very quickly the victim will be at best brain damaged but will probably die. Most cardiac arrests occur due to an abnormal heart rhythm. This could be an underlying condition or may occur if the casualty suffers a heart attack. The AED will read the signals of the heart and react appropriately.

CPR AED combined training

The better CPR training courses will offer combined CPR AED training. The course will teach you how to use defibrillators on adults and on children as the process differs slightly. There are various models of AEDs, some sold for domestic home use and others that you find in virtually all public buildings. You cannot rely solely on the device as most require CPR to be continued.

How do you use an automatic external defibrillator?

You or a colleague will have already started CPR. While one continues with the chest compressions, the other should switch on the model and take out the pads. These will have backing paper to keep them sterile. Remove any clothes covering the chest area and wipe the area free of sweat. Remove the backing paper and attach the pads on the victim’s chest. Make sure nobody else is touching the casualty. This is not to prevent someone else being shocked but to prevent the machine picking up incorrect readings.

The AED will determine the heart rhythm and then the necessary action required to return it to normal. Depending on the defibrillator being used, you may have verbal or visual instructions. Continue following the prompts until the emergency services or a qualified doctor arrives on the scene. If the patient needs to be shocked the AED will charge up and deliver the necessary shock. It is very important that everyone stands clear before this happens. A shock is not always required. If the device has accessed the patient, it may instead recommend continued CPR rather than delivering a shock to the heart. Always follow the instructions.

Should I take an AED off if the patient regains consciousness?

You should never remove the AED pads even if the patient appears to be back to normal. This could be a temporary situation and the casualty could suffer a relapse. Instead move the victim to the recovery position if safe to do so but leave the AED in place.

Knowing the right CPR steps to take is as important as knowing how to use an automated defibrillator correctly. If you have yet to take your CPR AED certification, now may be a good day to book those classes!

John Furst

JOHN FURST is an experienced emergency medical technician and qualified first aid & CPR instructor. John is passionate about first aid and believes everyone should have the skills and confidence to take action in an emergency situation.

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