Defibrillation is the emergency procedure where first aiders apply an electronic device called an automated external defibrillator or AED to the chest of a cardiac arrest casualty and the device delivers a don't follows controlled electric shock to the casualty’s heart.
- Send someone for the AED if not already.
- Ensure safety
- If multiple rescuers are present, assign tasks for each rescuers
- Turn on the AED
- Attach the electrode pads
- If multiple rescuers, continue CPR while the pads are attached
- Follow the voice/visual prompts of the AED
- Ensure that nobody touches the casualty while the AED is analyzing the rhythm
If a shock is indicated:
- Ensure that nobody touches the casualty
- Push the shock button as directed
- Fully-automatic AEDs will deliver the shock automatically
- Continue to follow the voice/visual prompts of the AED
If no shock is indicated:
- Immediately resume CPR using a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths.
- Continue to follow the voice/visual prompts of the AED.
- Send someone for the AED if not already.
- Ensure safety
- If multiple rescuers are present, assign tasks for each rescuers
- Turn on the AED
- Attach the electrode pads
- If multiple rescuers, continue CPR while the pads are attached
- Follow the voice/visual prompts of the AED
- Ensure that nobody touches the casualty while the AED is analyzing the rhythm
If a shock is indicated:
- Ensure that nobody touches the casualty
- Push the shock button as directed
- Fully-automatic AEDs will deliver the shock automatically
- Continue to follow the voice/visual prompts of the AED
Aims of Treatment
- To maintain an open airway
- To assess and record the level of response
- To arrange, if necessary, urgent removal to hospital
- To treat any associated injuries
- To gather and retain any circumstantial evidence of the cause of the condition.
