An AED assesses the activity of the heart. It's important that a shockable rhythm is detected. An AED does not give a shock if the heart has stopped completely nor does it give a shock if the person is unconscious but the heart is beating properly.
The AED device must be turned on by pressing a button or opening the lid to activate the spoken and/or visual instructions. After two self-adhesive electrodes are adhered to the victim's bare chest, the AED begins an analysis of the heart rhythm. When heart activity is detected, the shock is administered automatically or manually (depending on the type and brand of AED). The goal is to stop the fibrillation so the heart can resume its normal rhythm.
What is the chance of survival when using an AED?
If a rescuer with a defibrillator delivers the first electric shock within 2 minutes, the chance of survival is up to 80%. After that, the chance of survival decreases by 10% every minute.
Save a life by using an AED
1
Turn on the AED
You can turn it on with a button or by opening the lid. Then follow the spoken and/or visual instructions.
2
Place the electrodes
Look closely at the picture to see where to place the electrodes on the victim's chest.
3
Giving a shock with the AED
If the AED advises a shock, press the button. A fully automatic AED determines when it delivers the shock.
Carefully shake the shoulders and ask: ‘Are you all right?'
No response? The victim may be unconscious.
Stay with the victim and call for help.
Multiple people present? Have one person ring 112 (or 911 in the US) and have another get an AED immediately.
Instructions for ringing 112 (or 911 in the US): Request an ambulance and say that it involves a resuscitation. Put the telephone on speaker. The control room employee can help you while you resuscitate.
Check the victim's breathing.
Breathing is abnormal and you’re alone? Get an AED if this is immediately available.
Put your hands in the center of the chest. Press down on the breastbone to a depth of 5 - 6 cm. Do this 30 times at a rate of a minimum of 100 and maximum of 120 times a minute.
Some AEDs have active CPR feedback, follow this to optimize the quality of CPR.
Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation 2 times.
If there is a second rescuer, change over every 2 minutes. Interrupt the resuscitation for the shortest possible time.
Turn on the AED by opening the lid or pressing the appropriate button.
Follow the (spoken) instructions.
Attach the electrodes to the bare chest.
Follow the instructions from the AED until the ambulance arrives and the paramedics say you may stop.
We’re on site within 6 hours. For you and the AED
Making the AED ready for use again: electrodes are replaced and, if necessary, the battery.
We read out the ECG data (the heart film is read so that it can be forwarded to the hospital).
Using an AED can be a profound experience. AED-Partner offers aftercare if desired.
