5/4/21

 

EMT in person class- AED

 

Today in EMT class we learned how to use the AED (Automated External Defibrillator). This is a portable device that is used to send electric shock signals through a patient’s heart during cardiac arrest. The machine analyzes heart rhythm and delivers shock, when appropriate, to restore a regular heart rate.

Going into the class, I had been expecting to learn how to use a defibrillator: the machine often seen in movies. I had been envisioning a doctor holding onto two paddles and screaming “clear!” shortly before delivering a dramatic shock to their patient. To my surprise, this machine mainly does it all on its own. The only thing I was responsible for was the placement of the two pads and making sure that no one is touching the patient while the machine administers a shock.

 

 

 

This is the process of how to use an AED:

1. If you witness a patient going into cardiac arrest, as always check to make sure everything is safe before entering the scene
2. Check for a response (first verbal, then tap their shoulders, then give their shoulders a pinch to check for painful stimuli)
3. Check for a pulse and chest rise
4. Start giving CPR prior to defibrillation while you wait for application of defibrillation pads (5 cycles of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths through a bag valve mask connected to supplemental oxygen)
5. The other partner should place AED pads (one pad placed underneath the patient’s right collarbone and the second pad placed on the left chest underneath the armpit)
6. After 5 cycles of CPR, turn on the AED and have it do a rhythm check. It will analyze the heartbeat and tell you if you need to defibrillate or continue CPR.
7. If you are going to defibrillate, you must make sure that the scene is clear around the patient (my instructor recommended making a sweeping movement around the patient while aggressively yelling “stay clear!”)
8. After you defibrillate, resume CPR and check rhythm after another 5 cycles
9. Check rhythm again (continue this until the patient is no longer in cardiac arrest)