Not the Perfect Gift? An AED & How to Use It

CORRECTION:  Regarding PAD PLACEMENT – this post originally said: “Trick – recall learning “right hand over your heart to say the pledge of allegiance?” One pad is placed as if person is saying the pledge and the other pad under the opposite breast area.”    THAT IS WRONG.   Mirror images are always difficult enough, but for those who know I also have a Right/Left issue, it will not surprise you that this is the opposite.  The first draft said “mirror” and was taken out in final.  When we “practice” in my house we repeat these words “say the pledge, then switch”  or as my husband now likes to phrase it “say the anti pledge”  Whatever works for you is fine – but please remember that the PAD PLACEMENT (as the AED will instruct you) goes up and over the VICTIM’S right breast (but below collar bone), with the other under the opposite breast .

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Last year I bought my husband a birthday gift that may sound unusual. Several people have raised their eyebrows at me and appear a bit gob-smacked. These generally verbose friends were almost speechless. It didn’t seem exceedingly odd to me; it seemed like a gift of love. What was it? An AED – meaning an Automatic, External Defibrillator. I am happy to have it in the house. It could save a life. Maybe his, perhaps mine, or even a friend or neighbor.

Emergency Defibrillator and How to Use it

The best news here is that if you never read (or learn) any details, the machine basically walks you through the crisis. Still, public AEDs are becoming more common and knowing the details may make you feel more comfortable to take action.

The “automatic” refers to the ease, the machine generally speaks aloud (and loudly) to direct you through the motions – and the motions are simple.  SCARY, YES!  But fairly simple.

I have never experienced this myself. It might be more helpful for you if I could share these details from experience. However, I don’t wish for that occurrence. The best I can do is remind myself (and share with you) how to respond.

The Steps

1. Avoid confusion. Determine if person is unconscious. Shake him/her. Rub knuckles hard on the breast bone (that is a sensitive area and will best help you evaluate if person is indeed unconscious).
2. 911 Etc. [#2 and #3 are almost simultaneous.]
   As always, make eye contact and instruct someone to call 911 — AND to get you the AED.
   If you are alone, it is unfortunate, but you need to call 911 before taking action. If possible put a cell phone on speaker and start the steps.
3. Don’t Wait on the AED. Instead start chest compressions – 100 compressions.
   [Note: make sure you are in the middle of the chest – approximately nipple area or above. Use heel of one hand, palm down with fingers interlaced. HOW FAST? To the tune of the Bee-Gee’s “Stayin’ Alive” song – which means fairly fast.]
4. Get AED yourself. If no one else is around but you see an AED, get it.
5. Check Pulse. If none – start the AED.
6. Make certain patient is not near or in water or puddles. Open AED. It will tell you where to place pads, which is done directly on skin.
   [Note: I test my husband frequently asking him to show me where the pads go, even though you don’t HAVE to remember. As the AED will tell you, place one pad up and over the VICTIM’S right breast (but below collar bone); the other pad under the opposite breast area.]
7. Tell everyone to “Stand Back.” You stand back too. Press the “shock” button.
   The AED will perform an analysis. It will NOT deliver shock to the patient if it isn’t needed. If it is needed, the AED will administer the needed electric shock and stop.

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8. Resume chest compressions.
   After shock is delivered, resume the compressions even if you feel – hear – or see the heart beating. If heart is beating you want to help it remain beating. Continue until either someone relieves you OR emergency personnel arrive.
   If there is no heartbeat, compress 100 more counts and use the AED to shock again.

Why you might want an AED — and how to feel comfortable with it

I didn’t mention cost. They can be expensive, up to a couple thousand dollars. And there are a couple decisions to make when buying one, such as whether you want a unit for which you have to press the shock button (when being told to) or one that ‘zaps’ automatically when ready. [For various reasons, I picked the manual button option.] You should also know that there are perfectly acceptable “recertified” products. These are often turned in by fire departments or professionals who wish (or are mandated) to purchase new versions. They are recalibrated, certified again, and sold to the public, often at less than half the regular price.

Are you thinking “why should I learn how to use an AED, let alone purchase one?” I was required to attend professional training in school, but have always felt everyone should take CPR courses. Further, on occasional, I run through the steps in my mind believing that someday it could be life-changing. Any of us could forget what to do if we are in a panic, and we would all be in a panic.  The mental review is comforting – and the availability of an AED even more so.

I recently promised myself to do that same routine rehearsal every time I see an AED in a store, airport, restaurant or other location. I hope that gives you an idea. You might start to notice how common these machines have become. The personal step-by-step review in your mind may offer you self-assurance, spur a purchase or even help you save a life one day. No matter how old we are, anyone can perform AED procedures. Best yet, we might help someone else Age with Pizzazz (versus not aging at all). What better gift could there be?

 SUMMARY of STEPS for MENTAL REVIEW

1. Verify unconsciousness.
2. Call 911.
3. Start 100 compressions.
4. Get AED yourself or from someone.
5. Check Pulse –  if none start.
6. Open AED for instructions and – Place pads.
7. “Stand Back.” Press the “shock” button.
8. Resume and continue chest compressions.
   If no heartbeat, compress 100 more counts and use the AED to shock again.

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Picture credit:   Gift Box Pink -Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay; Zap word Image by Annalise Batista from Pixabay