2. defibrillation
Defibrillation is a process in which an electrical device is used to send an
electric shock to the heart to stop an arrhythmia resulting in the return
of a productive heart rhythm.
In cardiac emergencies, it should be performed immediately after
identifying that the patient is experiencing an arrhythmia with lack of
pulse and unresponsiveness. It is also used to ablate atrial fibrillation and
atrial flutter.
After defibrillation, the patient’s cardiac status, breathing, and vital signs
are monitored with a cardiac monitor.
3. Defibrillation is performed to correct life-threatening arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation,
pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and cardiac arrest.
4. In cardiac emergencies, it should be performed immediately after identifying that the patient is
experiencing an arrhythmia with lack of pulse and unresponsiveness. It is also used to ablate atrial
fibrillation and atrial flutter.
5. After defibrillation, the patient’s cardiac status, breathing, and vital signs are monitored with a cardiac
monitor.
6. a.e.d.
Automated external defibrillator
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the
heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the
heart rhythm to normal. Ventricular fibrillation is the uncoordinated heart rhythm most often
responsible for sudden cardiac arrest.
8. Defibrillator machine safety
Paddles should be on the machine or on the chest of the patient
Should never be held with one hand
Should never be flapping around in mid-air
Should never be placed on any surface unattended
Any of these error may result in electrical arcing or unintended delivery of shock to colleague , self or
to the patient who doesn’t need it.
9. While a shock is being delivered to a patient, no one else should touch the patient, or anything that is
being touched by the patient to avoid accidental electrocution
Do not use alcohol to wipe the patient’s chest dry, alcohol is flammable
Do Not use an AED on a victim who has a nitroglycerine or other patch. Remove any patches from the
chest before attaching the device.
10. Do Not touch the vicitm while the AED is analyzing. Touching or moving the victim may affect
the analysis.
Do Not defibrillate someone around flammable materials, such as gasoline or freeflowing
oxygen.
Do Not use a cellular phone or radio within 6 feet of the AED. This may interrupt analysis
11. AED Steps
1.Retrieve the AED
1. Turn on the AED
2.Expose the person’s chest.
1. If wet, dry chest.
2. Remove medication patches.
3.Open the AED pads
1. Peel off backing.
2. Check for pacemaker or internal defibrillator
4.Apply the pads
1. Apply one pad on the upper right chest above the breast.
2. Apply the second pad on the lower left chest below the armpit.
5.Ensure the wires are attached to the AED box
6.Move away from the person
1. Stop CPR.
2. Clear the person. Tell others not to touch the person.
12. 7. Let AED analyze the rhythm.
8. If the AED message reads “Check Electrodes,” then:
1. Ensure electrodes make good contact.
2. If the chest is hairy, pull off the pad and replace it.
9. If the AED message reads “Shock,”
1. Be sure the person is “clear” by making sure no one is touching them.
2. Press and hold the “shock” button until the AED delivers the shock.
10. Resume CPR for two minutes starting with chest compressions.
11. Repeat steps 1 to 10.
