What are the steps for using an AED?

What are the steps for using an AED?

AED Steps

1. 1Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts.
2. 2 Open the person’s shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry.
3. 3 Attach the AED pads, and plug in the connector (if necessary).
4. 4Make sure no one is, including you, is touching the person.

Do you use an AED if there is a pulse?

An AED cannot detect a normal rhythm or pulse. An AED cannot detect a pulse because it is an “ELECTRO-cardiogram“. It only detects electrical impulses. It is not able to detect the physical/mechanical beating of a heart.

What is an AED and how does it work?

An AED is a type of computerized defibrillator that automatically analyzes the heart rhythm in people who are experiencing cardiac arrest. When appropriate, it delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.

Can an AED be used on a child?

AEDs may be used for children 1 to 8 years of age with no signs of circulation. Ideally the device should deliver a pediatric dose.

Is it OK to give chest compressions to someone who has a pulse?

It is better to perform a few unnecessary chest compressions for someone with a beating heart, rather than withhold chest compressions and circulation from someone in cardiac arrest.

Should you perform CPR on someone who is breathing?

If someone is breathing normally, you usually do not need to perform CPR. Oxygen is still getting to the brain and the heart is obviously functioning for the time being. In this case, call 911 and wait. Keep an eye on the person to note any changes and to start CPR if their condition worsens.

Can chest compressions kill you?

If you do nothing, the person is likely to die. Studies have shown that there is almost no chance that you will hurt the person. While it is rare that a rib will be broken during CPR, doctors are able to repair broken ribs, but they cannot repair death.

Can you perform CPR on yourself?

There is no medical evidence to support ‘cough CPR’, which suggests you can help yourself by coughing vigorously if you think you’re having a heart attack and are alone. You would become unconscious, and without immediate CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths), you would die.

Can you do CPR on a bed?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) comprises of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Therefore the main advice is that CPR is unlikely to be effective if performed on a bed at home. A first aider should attempt to move the victim to the floor in order to perform chest compressions.

How many compressions should you perform before you give two breaths?

Two-person CPR for the adult victim will be 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Two-person CPR ratio for the child and infant will be 15 compressions to 2 breaths.

What are the three circumstances when you can stop giving CPR?

Once you begin CPR, do not stop except in one of these situations:

• You see an obvious sign of life, such as breathing.
• An AED is available and ready to use.
• Another trained responder or EMS personnel take over.
• You are too exhausted to continue.
• The scene becomes unsafe.

Can I perform CPR on a person who is on a bed or couch?

For chest compressions to be the most effective, the person should be on his or her back on a firm, flat surface. If the person is on a soft surface like a sofa or bed, quickly move him or her to a table or the floor.

How deep do the compressions on an adult need to be?

In adult victims of cardiac arrest, it is reasonable for rescuers to perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute to a depth of at least 2 inches for an average adult, while avoiding excessive chest compression depths of greater than 2.4 inches.

What is two person CPR?

About the Two-Person CPR Method In the two-person resuscitation, rescuers switch positions after about every two minutes. One of the rescuers is positioned near the chest area while the other one is positioned near the head of the victim. This position allows quick position changing.