AED is an abbreviation for automated external defibrillator. AED’s are lightweight, portable devices that deliver and electric shock to the heart through adhesive electrodes, or pads. The shock delivered from an AED has the potential to stop an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart beat, and allows the return of normal sinus rhythm following a patient in cardia arrest.
Who needs an AED
The automated external defibrillator is used in the life saving practice of CPR. According to the American Heart Association, most sudden cardiac arrests result from ventricular fibrillation, or VF. Ventricular Fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that is rapid and unsynchronized. The VF rhythm needs to be defibrillated quickly for the victim’s best chance of survival. In fact, studies show that the rate of survival for a victim experiencing cardiac arrest drops 7 to 10 percent with each passing minute.
How do AED’s work?
Automatic external defibrillators have a built in computer that analyzes the victim’s heart rate. When a rhythm is present that requires defibrillation, the AED will prompt the rescuer to deliver the shock. Shocks are delivers through adhesive electrodes, or pads, placed on the victim’s chest. Once the AED fully charges, it will notify the rescuer to press the shock button located on the AED. The delivered shock momentarily seizes all the heart’s activity. This gives the heart a chance to resume an effective rhythm for circulation. AED’s are designed with ease of use in mind. Once turned on, the AED will deliver audible prompts to guide the rescuer through the defibrillation process.
Can I use an AED?
Yes. AED’s are simple to use and are located throughout the community to aid in rescue attempts. You may have seen an AED located in grocery stores, shopping malls, schools, hotels and other various public places. Generally all first responder vehicles will have an AED available such as ambulances, police vehicles and fire engines. Knowing where AED’s are located is extremely important during rescue attempts.
Where can I get AED training?
Marion CPR offers CPR and AED training to lay-rescuers and medical professionals alike. We highly recommend that you educate yourself with proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED skills so you are prepared to act and save lives in the event of an emergency. For more information on CPR training in Ocala Florida please contact our office at (352) 653-8821.
At Marion CPR traing in Ocala Florida, we offer CPR classes to help educate our community members with life saving CPR skills that can be used to help saves lives in the event of an emergency. Sign up for one of our American Heart Association CPR classes in Ocala today so you will be equipped with the knowledge to save lives. CPR classes are available on weekdays and weekends. Call (352) 653-8821 to register for a CPR class or view our full schedule online at https://www.MarionCPR.com