Automatic External Defibrillation (AED)

AED stands for automated external defibrillator. AEDs are able to deliver an electrical shock to the heart to try to “restart” it and hopefully allow the heart to begin to beat again in a normal fashion. These devices are very user friendly and can often be found in public facilities like hospitals, malls, airports, casinos, various sports arenas, federal and state buildings, grocery stores and many other locations.

A defibrillator is a device that delivers an electric shock or pulse to the heart in order to alleviate certain disturbances or failures. Typically the goal is to change a fibrillation, or rapid and irregular rhythm, into a slower and steadier beat that can be managed by a care provider. The shock comes from an electric current that is channeled through the patient's chest via electrodes or paddles. The current causes the heart muscle to contract, hopefully jolting it back to a more natural pace.

When a person is experiencing cardiac arrest, the most common cause is ventricular fibrillation. Here, the ventricles are contracting in a chaotic fashion that causes the heart to stop pumping sufficient blood. The other form of fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, is more common and much less deadly. It is a disorder found in approximately two million Americans and causes the small upper chambers of the heart, or atria, to quiver rather than beat steadily. Though this isn't normally a life-threatening condition, atrial fibrillation can cause blood to pool and clot. If this clot becomes lodged in the brain or artery, a stroke can result.

Now with portable defibrillators, family members have more methods for saving the life of a loved one than simple CPR.

Attempting Defibrillation: 1 Shock, Then Immediate CPR (new guidelines 2005-2006)
When attempting defibrillation, all rescuers should deliver 1 shock followed by immediate CPR, beginning with chest compression's. All rescuers should check the victim's rhythm after giving about 5 cycles (about 2 mins) of CPR. The AED will prompt to check the rhythm every 2mins.

Child (>1) AED
For sudden witnessed collapse in a child, use the AED as soon as it is available. For unwitnessed cardiac arrest in the out of hospital setting, use the AED after about 5 cycles (about 2 mins) of CPR. The AED will accurately and reliable recognize pediatric shockable rhythms and be capable of delivering a "child" energy dose. Many AEDs are now equipped to deliver smaller doses through the use of smaller child pads or a key or other means to reduce the energy dose. If you are giving CPR to a child (older than 1 year) and the available AED does not have child pads or a way to deliver a smaller dose, use a regular AED with adult pads. DO NOT use child pads or child dose for adult victims or cardiac arrest.

• At the end of the Defibrillation Course students will be able to:
  • Arrive on scene with the AED and turn the AED on
  • Select the proper pads (adult or pediatric) and place the pads correctly on your victim.
  • Clear the victim to analyze
  • Press the "shock" button to deliver the energy.
  • Resume chest compression's after 1 shock or after no shock advised
  • Resume CPR until the AED counts up 2mins to allow a rhythm check.
  • Understand the contra indications of when NOT to use an AED and special circumstances.

NOTE: AED's are recommended for use in children 1 year of age or older. The evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against the use of AED's in infants under 1 year of age.


Need A Defibrillator? CPR has a 43% survival rate. With an AED (automated external defibrillator), used within two minutes. the chance of survival increases to 85%. ShowMeCPR can get your home or organization a defibrillator plus train you on that brand. AED packages start at $1200. Just ask us via our contact us page!

State Contract Pricing: (As of August 2007)
$829.00
AED
Soft Carry Case
(2) Adult Pads (1) Pediatric Pads
Demostration Video
Data Card & Data Card Reader
Download Software

$868.00
AED
Hard Carry Case
(2) Adult Pads (1) Pediatric Pads
Demostration Video
Data Card & Data Card Reader
Download Software

Do not delay defibrillation !