What is an AED designed to do
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator.It is a lightweight, portable medical device that delivers an electrical shock through the chest to the heart. This shock can treat life-threatening and irregular heart rhythms known as Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) during a sudden cardiac arrest, and allow a normal rhythm to resume in the heart. Show
What causes a sudden cardiac arrest?Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. Most sudden cardiac arrests result from the sudden development of VF or less commonly due to asystole (heart stops contracting). In VF, there is chaotic electrical activity without mechanical contraction so that there is a rapid cessation of blood circulation. When the pumping action is disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing (or gasps for air). Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment immediately. It is important to note that cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. Find out the difference here. Importance of an AEDIn Singapore, more than 3,000 people suffer from sudden cardiac arrest every year. Among them, 70% – 80% happen at home or in public places. While the first thing you should do when you encounter cardiac emergency situations is to call 995 for an ambulance, the average response time for an ambulance to arrive at the scene is about 8-11mins. During this time, the chance of survival drops by 10% for every minute that nothing is done to resuscitate the patient. In such a situation, bystander CPR+AED plays an effective role in saving the patient through the golden hour. Research shows that, while it is fatal, cardiac arrest is a survivable condition — if a victim receives early CPR and defibrillation. Early CPR+AED increases a victim’s chance of survival to as high as 60%*. AEDs make it possible for more people to respond to medical emergencies where defibrillation is required. Where can I find AEDs in Singapore?There are over 10,000 publicly accessible AEDs in Singapore. You can find them in many public places, such as residential, commercial and industrial properties, train stations and bus interchanges and community facilities. You can also find one AED at the lift lobby of every 2 HDB blocks island-wide. To locate a publicly-accessible AED, you can download the myResponder mobile app and check out the live map. During an emergency, the myResponder app can direct you to the nearest available AED within 400 meters of your location. There are also over 200 taxis and private hire vehicles installed with AEDs under the AED-on-Wheels initiative, which increases the availability of AED in the community. Who can use an AED?You can. AEDs come with an in-built voice prompt that provides clear step-by-step instructions for non-medical personnel. You do not need AED training to use one. If you encounter someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, call 995 and stay on the line with the emergency operator who will guide you through CPR and the application of an AED. How to Retrieve an AED from the Cabinet?All AED cabinets are locked with a key to prevent misuse. In the case of an emergency, you will be required to break a glass to extract the key to the cabinet. Do not use your bare hands as you might end up getting scraps on your hands. Instead, use a solid or sharp object like a key or pen and strike confidently at the centre of the glass on the AED cabinet to break it and retrieve the key.  How Does an AED Work?When attached to a sudden cardiac arrest victim, the AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and advises first responders on whether a shock is necessary. In-built voice prompts, lights and on-screen text tell the rescuer what steps to take to deliver an electrical shock to the victim’s heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. Steps in Using an AED1. Use an AED in a safe environment.Check the area to ensure there is no wet or metallic surface or flammable gas as these can compromise safety. Continue to perform CPR until the AED is ready for analysis. 2. Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompt.Put on your gloves, and shift any jewellery on the casualty’s body to the side. Roll up the casualty’s shirt and shave any chest hair. Remove medical patches, and wipe dry the chest. Ensure chest is bare, dry and clean. 3. Place the AED electrode pads.Apply AED pads firmly to the bare chest according to the diagram: one pad on the upper right chest under the collarbone and the other on the lower left below his left nipple. If the casualty has a pacemaker, place the pad four fingers away from it. Learn the proper placement of AED pads on children and infants here. 4. AED analysingStand clear when the AED starts analysing heart rhythm. No one should touch the casualty. Spread both arms out and shout “Stay Clear”. When it prompts: Shock advised
No shock advised
Stop CPR only when the AED is analysing heart rhythm, when the casualty wakes up or regains normal breathing, or when the paramedics take over. Where should AEDs be placed?Every workplace should look to install an AED within a 3-minute distance of its workforce. General Practitioner (GP) clinics, Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics and dental clinics should also be equipped with AEDs and provide their staff with relevant training to increase their readiness to respond to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases. Interested Primary Care Clinics can check out our AEDs in Primary Care Clinics Initiative. If you already own a private AED, you can do your part to contribute to better coverage and visibility of publicly accessible AEDs in Singapore by registering yours with the national AED registry. There are membership benefits for registry members, so register your AED today! Where Can I Buy An AED?Find the right defibrillator for your needs here. Where Can You Learn More About AED?Although formal training in the use of an AED is not required, getting certified in CPR+AED is recommended to help you develop your skills and level of confidence. SHF offers CPR+AED courses available for every need and every budget. Use our guide to choose the right course for you. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) guide for AED OwnersIntroducing the first Automated External Defibrillator (AED) guide for AED owners in Singapore, proudly published by the Singapore Heart Foundation & Singapore Civil Defence Force. This manual contains practical information on how to make and keep workplaces, recreational spaces and public facilities heart safe and rescue ready in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. Use this manual as a guide for:
And much more. You, too, can save a life!What does an AED do quizlet?What does AED do? Analyzes heart rhythm, delivers shock if needed to disrupt abnormal rhythms.
What are the 4 special considerations when using an AED?Do not use an AED near flammable or combustible materials (e.g. gasoline). It is safe to use an AED when the person is lying on a metal surface, but don't allow the AED pads to contact the metal surface. Do not use an AED if the person is in or near water. Avoid getting the AED wet.
Why does AED give a shock what is it trying to do?An AED stops the heart from its spasm by shocking it. This allows the nerve impulses a chance to resume their normal pattern, which, in turn, allows the heart to resume beating at its normal pace.
How does an AED work on the heart?A built-in computer checks a victim's heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes. The computer calculates whether defibrillation is needed. If it is, a recorded voice prompts the rescuer to press the shock button on the AED. This shock momentarily stuns the heart and stops all activity.
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