We have updated the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) in the foyer of Hillcrest and are taking this opportunity to inform you about its use. This is an update to those of you that had the initial training but new to others that may be interested in knowing more about the unit or at least knowing that we have an AED.
What is an AED?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layperson. The brand of our AED is HeartSineWhere is the AED at Hillcrest?
It is mounted on the front wall of the foyer by the coat rack. Pull firmly on the door to open and lift out to remove the AED.When to use the AED?
If someone suddenly become unconscious, not breathing or have no heart rate or pulse, the AED can be used to detect a heart beat and determine if a shock needs to be applied. It then tells you whether to continue CPR.
Call 911 first.
Why 2 Different Color Batteries?
Gray battery is for Adults down to 8 years old
Pink battery is for children 1-8 years old (< 55 lbs)
Our AED will always be stored with the adult (gray battery) installed. The battery is easily exchanged by pushing in the 2 side tabs on the battery and sliding out away from the bottom of the unit and then sliding in the other battery until it snaps in,
Each battery has 2 electrodes and connecting pre-attached.
How to use the AED?
Auditory instructions are heard by turning on the unit it walks you through step by step in attaching the electrodes, looking for the heart beat and standing back when the unit is going to administer the shock and then instructing how to perform CPR if required.
1. Select battery
The AED has the adult, gray battery installed. If patient is less than 8 year old switch to pink battery by removing the adult gray battery by pressing the tabs on each side of the battery.
2. Pull green tab out to access electrodes and attach to patient as indicated by the diagram.
3. Turn unit on
Auditory instructions will begin giving you step by step directions in using the unit. Printed instructions and simple diagrams are printed on the bottom of the unit for each battery for both setting up and using the AED as well as when to use CPR chest compressions. (NOTE: mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is no longer recommended by the AHA )
Here is a quick instructional video that show the simple steps to set up and use the AED