How many shocks does an AED deliver?

How many shocks does an AED deliver?

The AED is programmed to reanalyze the victim’s rhythm and provide a shock as quickly as possible after each shock, to a total of 3 shocks.

What rhythms do AEDs shock?

AEDs advise a shock only to ventricular fibrillation and fast ventricular tachycardia. The electric current is delivered through the victim’s chest wall through adhesive electrode pads.

What two arrhythmias does the AED recognize to shock?

The main two arrhythmias that will prompt an AED to shock are Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach) and Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib). In both arrhythmias, the heart acts erratically and cannot adequately pump blood to the brain and extremities of the body.

Can someone have a pulse but not be breathing?

If there is no sign of breathing or pulse, begin CPR starting with compressions. If the patient definitely has a pulse but is not breathing adequately, provide ventilations without compressions. This is also called “rescue breathing.” Adults: give 1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds. Reassess the pulse every 2 minutes.

Why would an AED say no shock advised?

If you get a “no shock” message from the AED it can mean one of three things: the victim that you thought was pulseless does indeed have a pulse, the victim has now regained a pulse, or the victim is pulseless but is not in a “shockable” rhythm (i.e. not ventricular fibrillation).

What do you do when an AED says no shock advised?

If the AED gives a “no shock advised” message after any analysis, check the victim’s pulse and breathing. If a pulse is present, monitor the victim’s airway and provide rescue breathing as needed. Do not use on conductive surfaces – water – fluids – metals if you can avoid them.

Can an AED shock the rescuer?

AED’s have sophisticated algorithms that will only shock a patient who needs one; if the heart is beating normally the AED will not allow a shock. Even if you try to press the shock button, or someone accidentally pushed the shock button, you will not deliver that patient a shock.

When should AED not be used?

Do not use an AED when there is water present or the victim is wet. Electricity will take the path of least resistance, so if there is water on the chest then the shock will travel through the water instead of the heart muscle. No one should touch the victim during delivery of the electrical shock by an AED.

What to do if someone is not breathing but has a pulse?

In adults, call 911 first and do the following:

1. If the person is not breathing but has a pulse, give 1 rescue breath every 5 to 6 seconds or about 10 to 12 breaths per minute.
2. If the person is not breathing and has no pulse and you are not trained in CPR, give hands-only chest compression CPR without rescue breaths.

Can CPR actually revive someone?

CPR alone is very unlikely to restart the victim’s heart. Therefore, CPR alone is unlikely to revive a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. So although CPR might not actually “revive” someone instantaneously, it plays a vital role in giving a victim of cardiac arrest the best chance of survival.

What are the 3 C’s when deciding to take action in an emergency situation?

There are three basic C’s to remember—check, call, and care.