The Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can be used in the event of cardiorespiratory arrest. Its role is to analyze the person's cardiac activity and deliver electric shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Early defibrillation is crucial in this context, as it can increase a person's chances of survival by up to 75%. Automatic external defibrillators are vital tools for increasing the chances of survival in the event of cardiopulmonary arrest. They are easy to operate and can be used by first-aiders or members of the general public. So it's important to have them to hand in an emergency.
How it works
An AED is a portable, battery-powered device that analyzes the cardiac activity of a person in cardiopulmonary arrest. The analysis is fully automatic, eliminating the need for the rescuer to make a decision. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED delivers an electric shock, also known as defibrillation, using electrodes placed on the victim's skin.
When working on children aged between one and eight, we recommend the use of child-specific electrodes, if available. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct placement. Some models of automatic external defibrillator (AED) use adult electrodes with a power-reducing tip, often in the shape of a teddy bear, to reduce the electric shock.
If child electrodes or a power-reducing tip are not available, adult electrodes can be used, taking care not to overlap them on the child's small chest. If, due to the size of the chest and the electrodes, it is not possible to place both on the front of the chest, one electrode can be placed on the front of the chest and one in the middle of the back, between the two shoulder blades.
Why acquire an AED?
8 out of 10 cardiac arrests occur at home or in a public place.
- In Canada, heart disease is the second leading cause of death after cancer;
- In the United States, more than 10,000 people suffer cardiac arrest at work every year;
- One in 10 survives;
- Victims are almost 4 times more likely to survive if a bystander performs CPR without delay;
- When the heart stops beating, blood no longer circulates throughout the body. Brain death can begin in as little as 3 minutes.
In the event of cardiac arrest, every minute counts
- The chances of survival decrease by 10 to 12% for every minute that passes without defibrillation;
- After 10 minutes, the victim is unlikely to survive sudden cardiac arrest;
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can extend this period;
- Defibrillation is the only treatment for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest;
- When a shock is administered within the first 3 minutes of sudden cardiac arrest, the chances of survival can rise to 75%.
Public access
In public places, the AED is placed in an easily and quickly accessible location. It is usually placed in full view of the public in a common area. The sign identifying its location is a crucial element to pay attention to.
If a loved one or bystander is in cardiopulmonary arrest, every second counts. Knowing where the AED is located can save precious time and considerably increase the victim's chances of survival.
Sudden cardiac arrest: Causes and risk factors
Most cardiac arrests are caused by arrhythmias (characterized by an irregular heartbeat), which may have gone undiagnosed.
Cardiac arrest can also be triggered by:
- Coronary artery disease;
- Heart attack;
- Congenital heart disease;
- Accidents such as electrocution, drowning, choking, trauma or respiratory distress;
- Recreational drug use.
Who's at risk?
Cardiac arrest can occur:
- At any age ;
- At any time;
- Regardless of the person's physical condition;
- Without warning.
Sudden cardiac arrest in the workplace
2 ways to prepare for it:
1. Deploy AEDs in your organization, campus or vehicles.
Early defibrillation is the only treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. Empower your employees to help save lives;
2. Implement a safety plan to respond to sudden cardiac arrest.
Académie Saint-Bernard can train and maintain your entire AED implementation program, as well as CPR training for first-aiders.