AEDs are life-saving devices that are often legally required in businesses to keep both employees and customers safe if an emergency occurs. If you have an AED in your workplace, people must know how to use it. It’s wise to display a helpful AED infographic, conveying steps on how to effectively use the device clearly. An infographic will often feature both words and pictures to make it easy to understand how to use the device at a glance.
Why Are AEDs Important?
AEDs are important even in settings you may not typically associate with them. Cardiac events are so common, especially in the United States, that it’s just good practice to have an AED around. It’s literally a life-saving device without any real equivalent.
If a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, waiting for professional medical attention can be fatal. An AED can dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival and their chance of experiencing less permanent harm as well. Cardiac events cannot be easily predicted. They can occur suddenly even in a typical office or similarly “slow” setting.
The Basics of an AED
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that can analyze a person’s heart rhythm and then deliver a shock to help get their heart into a more effective rhythm if that analysis detects an issue. These devices can restore a regular heart rhythm if a person experiences a cardiac arrest.
AEDs require certification to use, but they aren’t particularly complicated devices. Much of their use relies on following simple instructions and responding to automated, clear messages given by the device.
With that said, getting certified is still important. A business should typically try to have multiple certified staff members on site, so any AEDs can be used quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. Certified staff members can reference an AED infographic regularly to review proper use of the device.
How to Place & Use an AED
The following steps should be taken to best make use of an AED safely and effectively:
1. Place an AED
Any business should familiarize itself with the rules and regulations regarding AEDs. Many businesses, such as schools and fitness facilities, may be required to have at least one AED on site and appropriately certified staff members. The AED must be placed in a location that is marked appropriately and easily accessed.
Putting aside such regulations, it is good practice to have an AED readily accessible in the event of an emergency at all times. Staff should be made aware of the purpose of these devices, where any are located, and who is currently certified to use them.
For large sites, multiple AEDs are often appropriate (and may be legally required), with AEDs spread apart such that anyone on site can access an AED quickly. As noted by the American Red Cross, “each minute defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10%”.
2. CHECK & CALL
The first step in using an AED is to CHECK and CALL. These are both themselves emergency treatment steps you should familiarize yourself with, but we will summarize them here for clarity.
The CHECK process is about its namesake, requiring a person check on an injured or ill individual and assess the area for safety concerns and any necessary equipment for treatment. As part of this step, you should seek consent from the injured or ill person to treat them if they are able to give such consent. If they are unable to give consent, such as if they are unconscious, proceed.
CALL is another fairly self-explanatory but important part of treatment. Call 911 as soon as possible and inform the operator about the situation. If the person you believe is experiencing cardiac problems is conscious, ask them about their medical history, any symptoms they are experiencing, and if they have taken any drugs (both medicinal and recreational) recently.
Answer any questions the operator asks. Don’t hang up at least until expert help arrives. If you need to perform emergency treatment procedures and cannot talk on the phone, ask someone nearby to take the phone and stay on the line.
3. Turn on the Device & Listen
The next step is to get the AED and turn it on. The device should automatically begin speaking, giving clear instructions on how to use it. Follow these instructions closely, as the device needs to be placed properly to perform an analysis and administer a shock if necessary.
4. Remove Clothing & Attach Pads
The next step of using an AED requires you to remove all clothing covering a person’s chest and wipe their chest dry if it is wet. This step includes removing underwear like bras and similar clothing. Inform the person if they are conscious why you are doing this. Remember, you are performing a life-saving treatment.
The AED will have two pads. One needs to be placed on the upper right side of a person’s chest and the other on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the left armpit. If this placement would cause the pads to touch, instead place one in the middle of the chest and the other on the back between the person’s shoulder blades. Plug the pad connectors into the AED if they aren’t already attached and able to receive power.
5. Allow AED Analysis
It is now time for the AED to analyze the person’s heart rhythm. Nobody should be touching the person during this process. The American Red Cross suggests saying “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice. Make sure nobody approaches or touches the person being treated during the analysis process or during the next step.
6. Shock if Necessary
After the analysis, the AED will determine if an electric shock could benefit the person being treated. If it determines a shock won’t help, it will not allow one to be delivered.
If a shock is needed, clear people away and make sure nobody is touching the person being treated. Say “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice and push the shock button on the AED. If no shock was determined to be necessary, continue to the next step regardless.
7. Perform CPR Until Help Arrives
After delivering a shock or if no shock is necessary, it is time to begin CPR on the person being treated. Begin with compressions. If you aren’t sure how to administer CPR or have been trained but aren’t confident in your abilities, calmly but loudly ask if anyone nearby is trained in CPR and have them begin CPR instead.
Alsco Uniforms Health & Safety Services
Every business owner hopes they never have to deal with a medical emergency at one of their sites. However, it’s important to stay prepared in case such an event does occur. Cardiac arrests are unfortunately very common, so having an AED ready is a necessary part of keeping employees and staff safe.
We take health and safety seriously at Alsco Uniforms and encourage you to contact our team if you’re looking to equip a facility with any kind of health or safety equipment. Our health and safety services are comprehensive. We offer a broad selection of high-quality name-brand health and safety supplies to help our clients protect their staff and customers. Contact us today to learn more.
References
What Is AED? The American Red Cross.
AED Steps. The American Red Cross.
First Aid Steps. The American Red Cross.