Understanding Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)
1. What is an AED?
An AED, or automatic external defibrillator, explained.
There is a common misconception that AEDs restart the heart, but their role is to interrupt abnormal heart activity.
2. AEDs and Heart Function
Understanding how AEDs work to restore a normal heart rhythm.
- Electric activity in the heart can lead to abnormal twitching rather than a meaningful pulse.
- An AED delivers a shock to interrupt this electric activity, allowing the heart's natural pacemakers to restart it in a normal rhythm.
- AEDs advise a shock only when detecting specific shockable rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT).
3. Types of AED Units
Exploring different AED models and their operation.
- Semi-automatic AEDs require manual activation of the shock button when advised.
- Automatic AEDs initiate shocks automatically when necessary.
4. Future AED Videos
Stay tuned for upcoming videos that delve into AEDs in greater detail and provide guidance on their usage.
Learning Outcomes:
- IPOSi Unit two LO1.5 & 2.4