Adult AED

Summary

This script outlines a step-by-step guide for responding to an adult victim in cardiac arrest using an AED. It emphasizes ensuring scene safety, activating EMS, and performing CPR before using the AED. The process includes removing clothing, attaching pads, analyzing rhythm, delivering shocks if advised, and continuing CPR cycles. The script instructs to repeat these steps until EMS arrives or the patient shows signs of recovery.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ Scene safety is a top priority: ensure the environment is safe from combustible gases or liquids and that the patient isn't lying in fluids.
• 🧤 The rescuer should wear gloves and have a CPR shield for protection before administering aid.
• 📞 If the patient is unresponsive, activate EMS by calling 911 or instruct a bystander to do so, and bring an AED if possible.
• 📱 Use speakerphone when calling 911 to keep your hands free during the rescue process.
• 💡 If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR immediately unless an AED is available.
• 🔌 Turn on the AED and follow its voice prompts, including removing clothing and ensuring the patient’s chest is dry for proper pad placement.
• 🖐️ Ensure no one is touching the patient during rhythm analysis or when the AED is delivering a shock.
• ⚡ After a shock is delivered, begin five cycles of CPR, following proper compression and breath techniques.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Continue CPR, regardless of whether a shock is advised or not, until EMS or more qualified help arrives or the patient shows signs of recovery.
• 🔄 AED prompts and cycles of CPR should be followed continuously until the situation changes (help arrives or patient recovery).

Q & A

What is the first consideration before using an AED on an adult victim?

The first consideration is scene safety, ensuring there are no combustible gases or liquids, and the patient is not lying in a pool of fluids that could connect the rescuer to the patient during defibrillation.

Why is it important to check for scene safety before using an AED?

Checking for scene safety is important to prevent potential hazards such as sparks from the AED igniting flammable substances, which could endanger the rescuer and the patient.

What should you do if the adult victim does not respond to your initial call and physical prompts?

If the victim does not respond, you should activate EMS by calling 911 and proceed to assess if they are moving and breathing normally.

How can you activate EMS in the scenario described?

You can activate EMS by dialing 911 on your cell phone and keeping it on speakerphone, or by delegating a bystander to make the call and return with an AED if available.

What is the next step after confirming the unresponsiveness of the patient and before using the AED?

The next step is to turn on the AED, remove clothing from the person's chest, and dry off the skin where the pads need to be placed.

Where should you place the AED pads on the adult's chest?

The pads should be placed one above the right breast and one on the left mid-axillary line, below the left breast.

What does the AED's 'Analyzing rhythm' message mean and what should you do when you hear it?

The 'Analyzing rhythm' message means the AED is checking the patient's heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. Everyone should stand clear and not touch the patient during this process.

What action is required after the AED advises a shock and charges?

Once the AED advises a shock and charges, ensure everyone is clear, then push the shock button to deliver the shock.

How many cycles of CPR are performed after the initial shock is delivered?

After the initial shock is delivered, begin five cycles of CPR, which typically consist of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.

What should you do if the AED advises no shock after analyzing the rhythm?

If the AED advises no shock, you should immediately begin five cycles of CPR as prompted by the AED.

When should you stop the CPR and AED protocol as described in the script?

You should stop the CPR and AED protocol when EMS arrives, when further help arrives that is equally trained or higher, or when the patient begins to move, respond, and breathe normally.