AED– What is that?

AED – this stands for:

A = Automated
E = External
D = Defibrillator
 What is a ‘defibrillator’?
A defibrillator (AED) is a device that gives a
high energy electric shock to the heart of
someone who has collapsed and is in cardiac
arrest.

This high energy shock is called defibrillation,

and it’s essentially part in trying to save the
life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest.
 The defibrillator
There are a number of makes of defibrillator.

They all do the same job, and each type talks

you through what you need to do.

There is no need to worry, you won't be able

to shock someone who doesn’t need it as the
AED will only deliver a shock if it’s required!
Defibrillators AED
 Why are they so important?
A person suffering from a heart attack may well go into
cardiac arrest.
There are approximately 185,000 cardiac arrests per year
in the UK.
Survival to hospital discharge presently stands at between
5 – 10%.
Bystander CPR is a vital intervention before the arrival of
the ambulance service.
Early resuscitation and prompt defibrillation (within the first
1-2 minutes) can result in a 50% chance of survival.
 The defibrillator
Once the AED is with you, open the
defibrillator case.
You will find:
Scissors – to assist in cutting the clothes
Towel – to dry the chest
Razor – to remove any thick hair
AED pads – to place on the persons
chest
Don’t worry – the AED will talk you
through what you need to do!
 Chain of Survival
THE CHAIN OF SURVIVAL IS VERY IMPORTANT!
 How the heart works
The heart’s pumping action is controlled by
the electrical system of your body

Sinus Rhythm
The electrical rhythm is normally very well
organized

The normal heart rhythm is called “Sinus

Rhythm”

A normal heart beats at a rate of 60 - 100

beats per minute
 How the heart works
• If the heart stops working, using a defibrillator may correct this

• The defibrillator delivers a DC current across the heart wall

• Successful defibrillation “depolarizes” the heart’s cells

• Depolarization allows the cells to “reorganize”

• Defibrillation is the ONLY effective cure for cardiac arrest

 Defibrillators can save lives
Once the Defibrillator (AED) arrives on
scene it must be attached to the patient’s
chest as soon as possible.

STOP CPR and get the defibrillator pads on!

Any delay may reduce the chance of

success.