Elderly First Aid Handbook Book B

Page 18

Basic Life Support

16

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Commonly called AED, the device has a daunting full name Automated External Defibrillator. However, its principles and use are actually not difficult to grasp. Sudden cardiac arrest, in which the heart stops beating suddenly, can cause death within minutes if untreated. The 2 major causes of sudden cardiac arrest, both triggering irregular heartbeats, are ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The commoner cause is ventricular fibrillation, in which the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart quiver quickly and irregularly. The other cause is ventricular tachycardia, in which the ventricles have regular, fast beats that lasts for a short period of time. The AED can be used in this condition to assess the heart rhythm and restore it to normal by administering electric shocks to the heart. CPR also helps the chance of survival. AED sets usually come with spoken or visual instructions for the untrained user and are easy to use. An important point, though, would be to make sure that no one is touching the elderly when the shock is being administered.

AEDs can be found in many public places, such as shopping malls, airports, hotels and schools. You can find them directly under these signs

AED It’s important for the local EMS system and Community members to know where AEDs are located in the community. In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, you can find AED quickly.


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