Defibrillator Essay Example For Students

Defibrillator Essay General QuestionsWhat does AED stand for?AED stands for automated external defibrillator (or automated external defibrillation). Whats an AED?An AED is a device used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. Built-in computers assess the patients heart rhythm, judge whether defibrillation is needed, and then administer the shock. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user through the process. How does an AED work?A microprocessor inside the defibrillator interprets (analyzes) the victims heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes (some AED models require you to press an ANALYZE button). The computer analyzes the heart rhythm and advises the operator whether a shock is needed. AEDs advise a shock only to ventricular fibrillation and fast ventricular tachycardia. The electric current is delivered through the victims chest wall through adhesive electrode pads. Why are AEDs important?AEDs are important because they strengthen the Chain of Survival. They can restore a normal heart rhythm in victims of sudden cardiac arrest. New, portable AEDs enable more people to respond to a medical emergency that requires defibrillation. When a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, their chance of survival decreases by 7% to 10% for each minute that passes without defibrillation. AEDs save lives!Who can use an AED?Most AEDs are designed to be used by nonmedical personnel such as police, firefighters, flight attendants, security guards, and other lay rescuers who have been properly trained. Having more people in the community who can respond to a medical emergency by providing defibrillation will greatly increase sudden cardiac arrest survival rates. Why does someone having a heart attack need an AED?When a heart attack becomes a full cardiac arrest, the heart most often goes into uncoordinated electrical activity called fibrillation. The heart twitches ineffectively and cant pump blood. The AED delivers electric current to the heart muscle, momentarily stunning the heart, stopping all activity. This gives the heart an opportunity to resume beating effectively. Will an AED always resuscitate someone in cardiac arrest?The AED treats only a heart in ventricular fibrillation (VF), an irregular heart rhythm. In cardiac arrest without VF, the heart doesnt respond to electric currents but needs medications. The victim needs breathing support. AEDs are less successful when the victim has been in cardiac arrest for more than a few minutes, especially if no CPR was provided. AED UseIs an AED safe to use?An AED is safe to use by anyone whos been trained to operate it. Studies have shown the devices to be 90% sensitive (able 90% of the time to detect a rhythm that should be defibrillated) and 99% specific (able 99% of the time to recommend not shocking when defibrillation is not indicated). Because of the wide variety of situations in which it will typically be used, the AED is designed with multiple safeguards and warnings before any energy is released. The AED is programmed to deliver a shock only when it has detected VF. However, potential dangers are associated with AED use. Thats why training including safety and maintenance is important. The AHA recommends that persons who live or work where an AED is available for use by lay rescuers participate in a Heartsaver AED Course. AEDs are so user-friendly that untrained rescuers can generally succeed in attaching the pads, pressing ANALYZE (if required), and delivering shocks. However, untrained rescuers may not know when to use an AED, and they may not use an AED safely, posing some danger of electric shock to themselves and others. Also, untrained rescuers probably would not know how to respond to the victim if the AED prompts no shock indicated. An operator needs only to follow the illustrations on the electrode pads and the control panel and listen and follow the voice prompts (for example, Do not touch the patient.). An AED will deliver a shock only when a shock is advised and the operator pushes the SHOCK button. This prevents a shock from being delivered accidentally. Are AEDs safe to use on children?An AED should not be used on a child younger than 8 years old or weighing less than about 55 pounds. For more information on this question click here: AEDs and Children. Francis Drake EssayWhy is notifying the local EMS office important?Its important for the local EMS system to know where AEDs are located in the community. In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, the 911 dispatcher will know if an AED is on the premises and will be able to notify the EMS system as well as the responders already on the scene. Why should a licensed physician or medical authority be involved with purchasers of AEDs?This is a quality control mechanism. The licensed physician or medical authority will ensure that all designated responders are properly trained and that the AED is properly maintained. Why should people who are responsible for operating an AED receive CPR training?Early CPR is an integral part of providing lifesaving aid to people suffering sudden cardiac arrest. The ventilation and compression skills learned in a CPR class help to circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain. After delivering a series of three electric shocks, the typical AED will prompt the operator to continue CPR while the device continues to analyze the patient. If AEDs are so easy to use, why do people need formal training in how to use them?An AED operator must know how to recognize the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, when to activate the EMS system, and how to do CPR. Its also important for operators to receive formal training on the AED model they will use so that they become familiar with the device and are able to successfully operate it in an emergency. Training also teaches the operator how to avoid potentially hazardous situations. Can anyone buy an AED?AEDs are manufactured and sold under guidelines approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Current FDA rules require someone who purchases an AED to present a physicians prescription for the device. My health club has identified a member physician willing to purchase an AED for the club. Whats the first step in the process?Your local EMS system can help you find out about local and state protocols and requirements for AED training and use. The police are the first responders in my community. Officials are reluctant to have them carry and use AEDs for fear of potential litigation. What legislation is currently in effect to protect first responders who use an AED?If the person is a trained and licensed medical first responder (MFR), an established standard of care is outlined in the law, and those operating within these guidelines are protected under these laws. These same guidelines pertain to the personnel in your EMS system. If they are not trained and licensed MFRs, check the state laws to determine if lay rescuers are given limited liability immunity. If not, they may not be protected from litigation. Agencies should seek legal counsel before implementing a defibrillation program. How much does an AED cost?The price of an AED varies by make and model. Most AEDs cost around $3000. What steps should an organization take to buy an AED for its premises?Any person or entity wanting to buy an AED must first get a prescription from a physician. The AED should be placed in use within a defibrillation program that includes these elements:Training of all users in CPR and operation of an AED (AHA Heartsaver AED Course). Physician oversight to ensure appropriate maintenance and use of the AED. Notification of local EMS of type and location of AED. Which AED model does the AHA recommend?The AHA does not recommend a specific device. All AED models have similar features, but the slight differences allow them to meet a variety of needs. The AHA encourages potential buyers to consider all models and make a selection based on the buyers particular needs. The local EMS system can help you with this decision.