Introduction
A defibrillator is a piece of medical equipment that may provide an electric pulse or shock to the heart, therefore reestablishing a regular beating. They are prescribed when a patient is at risk for or experiencing arrhythmia (abnormal cardiac rhythms, such as a slow or rapid heart rate). Defibrillators can assist restart a heartbeat if it stops unexpectedly.
There are a variety of defibrillators, each with its own method of operation. People in cardiac arrest can be revived with the help of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which can be found in many public places today. This defibrillator equipment is simple enough that even bystanders without medical training can operate it effectively.
OSHA suggests putting defibrillators in the following locations to ensure that workers have easy access to them in an emergency:
- Places, where people work in close quarters, include assembly lines, offices, and other places.
- Close quarters
- Everywhere that requires the utilization of electric machinery
- Lightning is a risk in some outdoor workplaces.
- Clinics where employees can go if they are experiencing heart attack symptoms.
- Common parts of the workplace such as the gym, cafeteria, and break room
- Offshore drilling rigs, building sites, ships, electrical transmission lines, and energy pipelines are all examples of remote workplaces.
Detailed Guide To Use A Defibrillator
1. Confirm Cardiac Arrest
It's important to confirm that cardiac arrest is indeed occurring before using an AED on someone who seems to be having an emergency episode. Make that the person is still breathing and has a pulse even if they are unable to respond. The A-B-C approach may be used.
If there is no sign of life, such as a pulse or breathing, CPR must be initiated immediately.
- Airway: Before you examine their breathing, you should make sure their airway is clear. Tilt their head back and elevate their chin to accomplish this.
- Breathing: Close your distance to hear if they are breathing. Examine their chest to see if it is expanding and contracting.
- Circulation: Check for a heartbeat by touching someone's neck. Transient changes in skin tone, increased perspiration, and less alertness is all symptoms of blood flow problems.
2. Try To Wake The Person Up
It's important to rule out sleepiness or medical issues if you come across someone who appears to be unresponsive but you have no idea how long they've been that way. You can try shaking them, shouting in their ear, or clapping beside them to get their attention. Do not shake a baby or young child. There is a risk of serious harm from doing this.
3. Call The Police
If you think it's a biphasic defibrillator emergency, dial 100 immediately. Provide an update on your location and the situation. Tell them you have an AED and will use it if necessary. If anyone else is there, have them dial 100 as you begin providing aid.
4. Begin CPR Process
As the other person goes to obtain the AED, you should begin CPR if you are not alone. If you are by yourself, dial 911 and begin CPR immediately.
- For every 30 chest compressions, you should give 2 rescue breaths. No more than a second should go between rescue breaths. Over-ventilating is dangerous, so only breathe in until you can visibly expand your chest.
- Maintain a rate of 100 compressions per minute when working on the chest. Keep your compression rate below 125/min. It's best to squeeze your chest down around 2 inches (5 cm) and then let it expand up to full capacity with as few hiccups as possible.
- CPR should be started immediately. It's best to use an AED on someone who has been unconscious for an unknown amount of time.
5. Ensure The Patient Is Dry
Make sure the person in need of assistance is dry before activating and using an AED. It's important to dry them off if they are. It is imperative to relocate the victim to a dry area if there is any nearby water. Hydroelectricity is the transfer of electrical charge through water. The patient is at danger if they become wet or if they are near water.
Also Read: Top 7 Medical Equipment Manufacturers in India
6. Turn On The AED Machine
After making sure the area is dry, activate the AED. There will be instructions on what to do when it activates. Following the on-screen prompts, you should plug the pads' cords into the AED. Normally, you'll connect them up high, above the machine's indicator light. As soon as you plug in the pads, it'll tell you everything you need to do to get the patient ready.
7. Prepare The Chest Area
Removing some items from the victim is necessary before applying the AED pads. Separate the buttons on their shirt. You'll have to shave their chest if it's really hairy. A pacemaker or other implanted device should be checked for as well. Take off any metal accessories you find. The material can serve as a conductor of electricity.
- Most automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have a razor or scissors to help keep a hairy chest looking presentable.
- A pacemaker or other implanted device can be seen clearly through the chest wall. Also, consider purchasing a medical alert bracelet.
- The victim's underwire bra should be removed if she is wearing one. It has the same electrical conductivity as fine jewelry.
8. Apply the Pad
Adhesive pads serve as electrodes in an AED. Electrodes or pads will be instructed to be placed by the AED. Ensure that they are strategically placed so that the sufferer receives the appropriate level of shock. The victim should place one pad on the right side of their exposed chest, just below the collarbone. The other should rest slightly to the side and under the left peck or breast, where the heart is located.
- Make sure the pads are going directly into their skin with nothing in the way. The defibrillator price will stop working if there is anything in the way.
- AEDs have been known to say "check electrodes" multiple times if the pads are not applied correctly.
- In the event that you discovered a piercing or implant, the pads should be placed at least an inch away from the site.
9. Let The Aed Machine Analyze The Patient
As soon as the pads are in place correctly, everyone should move away from the victim. Once everyone has retreated, the automatic defibrillator analysis button can be pressed. The victim's heartbeat will be the first thing it examines.
- The AED will then instruct you on whether to administer a shock or continue CPR. The subject has regained a pulse or has an unshockable cardiac rhythm if no shock is required.
- If a shock is not recommended, CPR must be continued until help arrives.
10. Shock The Victim If Required
If the AED prompts you to administer a shock, double-check that the sufferer is conscious and alert before proceeding. The next step is to apply a shock using the AED. If the heart stops, an electric shock can be sent through the electrodes to get it going again.
Only one shock can be delivered at a time from the AED. It won't last long, but the power of the shock will likely cause them to shift.
11. Continue CPR
After shocking a person, you should immediately resume chest compressions. You need to do this for two more minutes before letting the AED recheck the heart rate. Continue doing this until help arrives.
- If the sufferer begins breathing normally or regains consciousness, you should cease as well.
- When two minutes have passed, the internal defibrillator will likely alert the user to discontinue CPR.
Conclusion
To save time and money, many manufacturers have made their AEDs user-friendly even for those who have never used one before. For every 60 seconds that passes without an AED being used or CPR being administered, the chances of survival from sudden cardiac death diminish by 7 to 10%, as reported by OSHA.
Learning from a trained professional is highly advised. Classes may be located by contacting the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Learn the fundamentals of using an automated external defibrillator (AED) with the use of training machines and courses. Although students cannot get hands-on experience with a real AED, training AED is available for use in classroom settings.
FAQs: Defibrillator
Q. How long do you have to stay in the hospital after receiving a defibrillator?
Ans. Most patients who undergo AED implantation are discharged from the hospital 1 day after the procedure. The average time for a full recovery is 4 to 6 weeks.
Q. Can a defibrillator restart a heart that has stopped beating?
Ans. To put it plainly, an AED is not designed to restart a heart that has already stopped beating.
Q. What is the significance of getting a defibrillator?
Ans. AED is prescribed when a patient is at risk for or experiencing symptoms of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat, either too slow or too fast). Defibrillators are electronic medical devices designed to restore a normal heartbeat in the case of a cardiac arrest.
Q. What should you avoid if you own a defibrillator?
Ans. The patient and themselves should avoid any potential sources of electric current, as cardiac defibrillators may need to administer a shock if necessary. Keep the headphones at least 3 cm (1 inch) away from the ICD and out of the neck cradle.
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