Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are life-saving devices for people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. According to John-Paul Couce, a paramedic and CPR education coordinator at Atlantic Health, understanding how an AED works can truly be the difference between life and death.
“Calling 9-1-1 is the first thing to do when using an AED,” he says. “First Aid and CPR classes that include AED training teach this, and so much more. Knowing how and when to use an AED will give you confidence if you ever need to deliver lifesaving care to someone in cardiac arrest.”
Here are a few more things to know:
1. AEDs are designed for anyone to use.
You don’t need to be a doctor, nurse, or paramedic to use an AED. When you crack one open, audible prompts walk you through step-by-step instructions. Built-in features help you analyze the victim’s heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. And remember, if you’re uncomfortable getting involved in emergency care, Good Samaritan laws protect bystanders who use an AED in an emergency.
2. AEDs treat sudden cardiac arrest—not heart attacks.
Cardiac arrest and heart attacks are not the same. Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating from an electrical malfunction. That’s when an AED can shock the victim’s heart back into rhythm. This is very different than a heart attack, which blocks blood flow to the heart. For this, an AED will only restore heart function if the person experiencing a heart attack goes into cardiac arrest.
3. AEDs can be used on adults or children.
Most AEDs come with both adult and pediatric settings. The prompts will instruct you to the appropriate settings and pad placement, based on the victim’s age and weight. Adult pads and settings are for people over eight years old, weighing more than 55 pounds. Pediatric pads are for anyone under age eight and 55 pounds. The AED adapts automatically, reducing the energy output for young children and infants.
4. Every second counts when using an AED to save a life.
When someone collapses and is unresponsive, every second counts. For every minute without CPR or defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by 7-10%. If an AED is used within the first three to five minutes of cardiac arrest, it can dramatically improve survival rates. The best response is to call 9-1-1 immediately, then perform CPR on the victim and use an AED as soon as it’s available.
5. AEDs can be found in most public places.
Many public places are now equipped with AEDs. You’ll see them in airports, train stations, schools and universities, sports arenas, office buildings, malls, and so on. To find it, look for a box hanging on the wall with the AED symbol of a heart with a lightning bolt through it. Knowing where these devices are at work and in your community can help if—or when—you ever need to use one.
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