The Life-Saving Power of Automated Defibrillators Revealed
Defibrillators can be life-savers, especially in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. When someone’s heart suddenly stops, every minute counts. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can diagnose the problem and restore the heart’s rhythm, preventing brain damage or death while you wait for medical help.
If there’s no AED nearby, your best option is to perform CPR while someone else calls 911. If an AED is available but no medical professional is around, you may need to use it yourself. These devices are designed for anyone to use, even without medical training. Doing it correctly can greatly increase the chances of survival. Here’s how you can go about it:
**Step One: Ensure the Person is Unconscious**
Defibrillators should not be used on someone who is just sleeping, as it can be harmful. Quickly check by shaking the person and yelling to see if they’re unconscious. For babies or very young children, pinch them gently instead to avoid causing harm.
**Step Two: Move to a Dry Area**
If you’re already in a dry place, you can skip this step. But if there’s any water nearby, you must move the person to a dry spot before using an AED. Water conducts electricity, so even a little moisture can be dangerous.
**Step Three: Turn on the AED**
Finding the power button should be simple. Once the AED is on, it will provide you with audio and visual instructions, guiding you step by step.
**Step Four: Prepare the Person**
Make sure their chest is dry and exposed. Place the electrode pads correctly: one just above the nipple on the right center of their chest, and the other just left of the ribcage, under the other nipple. Ensure there’s a good connection between the pads and the skin. The AED will let you know if it’s not sufficient. You might have to trim chest hair, remove wired bras or metal necklaces, and place the pads away from body piercings and implanted devices like pacemakers.
**And Go!**
Once everything is set, hit the “analysis” button to diagnose and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to the heart.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve a sudden cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival until professional help arrives.
