Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
1. Survival rate for a cardiac emergency patient increases to almost 30-70% if an AED is used in a timely manner.
2. Do not touch the person while the AED is analyzing. When the device is defibrillating, you could be shocked, so be careful.
3. Do not use an AED on a person who is in contact with water. Be sure to move him or her away from the puddle of water, swimming pool, or rain before defibrillating.
4. An AED should not to be used on children under 55 pounds.
5. Follow the AED instructions given through voice commands. They should be self-explanatory.
6. An AED can be used on patients with an implant-device.
7. Take off visible nitroglycerine patch’s from the person using disposable gloves before defibrillating.
8. Shock pads should be used on clear skin (shave those parts if necessary), on the upper-right and lower left sides of the chest.
9. For children and infants- if pads are touching, place one pad in the front of the chest and one on the back of the chest.