Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest the same as a heart attack?
No. A heart attack is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, resulting in the death of the heart muscle. Heart attack victims usually (but not always) experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes will lead to sudden cardiac arrest. However, sudden cardiac arrest may occur independently from a heart attack and without warning signs. Sudden cardiac arrest results in death if not treated immediately.
Who is at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable and can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime.
What’s the difference between the AEDs and the defibrillators that are shown on TV?
The defibrillators often shown on TV are called “manual defibrillators.” A manual defibrillator is not “automated” the defibrillator does not interpret the need for defibrillation. Trained medical personnel interpret the heart’s rhythms and make the decision whether to shock the patient or not. The shock can be delivered by the use of paddles or defibrillation pads.
Will I hurt the patient by using the AED?
No, the AED is extremely safe. The AED makes shock delivery decisions based upon the patient’s heart rhythm, and will not allow a shock to be delivered if not needed. The machine will not let you shock a non-shockable rhythm.
What if I mistakenly apply the AED to someone who fainted but still has a pulse, which I couldn’t feel?
The AED is designed to only shock a person in cardiac arrest. It will not allow a shock to a person who is not in cardiac arrest.
What if I forget the steps for using the AED?
The steps for shocking a patient in cardiac arrest are simple and straightforward. Just follow the visual and audio prompts provided by the AED.
What if I can’t hear the voice prompts of the AED?
Look for the visual text prompts on the AED screen.
Should I do CPR first or apply the AED?
Do CPR only until the AED arrives. Apply the electrodes to the patient’s bare chest and follow the voice prompts and messages of the AED. It will tell you when to resume CPR. CPR is a holding action until the heart is defibrillated.
If defibrillation is so important, why should I do CPR?
CPR provides some circulation of oxygen rich blood to the victim’s heart and brain. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of heart muscle. CPR buys some time until the AED can arrive and also makes the heart more likely to respond to defibrillation.
Can I be sued using the defibrillator?
All states have passed “Good Samaritan” legislation protecting the lay rescuer from lawsuits.
Can I accidentally shock another rescuer or myself?
AEDs are extremely safe when used properly. The electric shock is programmed to go from one pad to another through the victim’s chest. Basic precautions, such a verbally warning others to stand clear and visually checking the area before and during the shock, will virtually ensure the safety of rescuers.
Should I use the AED if the person has a pacemaker or is pregnant?
Yes, never withhold AED use in a person in cardiac arrest (unresponsive, not breathing, no pulse).
Can I defibrillate on a wet surface?
Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Be sure the victim’s chest is wiped dry. Keep the defibrillation electrodes away from a damp or conductive surface. Clear the victim and defibrillate as usual.
Can I defibrillate on or near metal surfaces?
Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Keep the defibrillation electrodes away from contact with the conductive surface. Clear the victim and defibrillate as usual. Be sure not to allow anyone to touch the passenger when the shock is delivered.
How much of the patient¹s clothing needs to be removed to carry out defibrillation?
The chest should be exposed to allow placement of the disposable defibrillation electrodes. A woman’s bra should be removed. Clothes may need to be cut off to facilitate early defibrillation.
After I have successfully defibrillated the victim and have return of a pulse do I keep the AED on the patient?
Yes, even after a patient has been successfully defibrillated, he/she is at risk of developing ventricular fibrillation again. The AED will continually monitor the victim for the return of VF. The AED should be left on until emergency personnel assume responsibility for the patient. The defibrillation pads (electrodes) are disposable.
What if I don’t perform all the steps of CPR and defibrillation perfectly?
A cardiac arrest is a high stress situation. Even experienced health care providers do not do everything perfectly. In a cardiac arrest, performing CPR, even imperfectly, and using a defibrillator can only help the patient.
What if I’m not certain whether or not I need to apply the defibrillator?
Remember this rule: only put the unit on someone you would do CPR on--unresponsive not breathing and no pulse.
