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You're out shopping when suddenly someone collapses right in front of you. Their face is turning blue and they seem unresponsive. Do you know what to do?  

When every second counts, being prepared with some basic first aid knowledge could help save a life. This quick guide will cover the basics of CPR and explain what automated external defibrillators (AED) are so you can be ready to take action in an emergency. 

The Importance of Learning CPR 

Saving Lives 

Knowing CPR can mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. When a person's heart stops beating, they have only minutes before irreversible brain damage occurs and death follows. By performing chest compressions and rescue breaths, you can manually pump oxygenated blood through their body until emergency responders arrive. 

How to Perform CPR and Save a Life 

If someone collapses in front of you and stops breathing, immediate CPR can save their life before emergency responders arrive. Call 999 right away. While waiting for help to arrive, start chest compressions. Here’s how: 

1. Place your hands on the center of the person's chest and push hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. 

2. Push with the heel of your hand on the breastbone. Each compression should be 2 inches deep. 

Once you start compressions, keep going until emergency responders arrive or the person shows obvious signs of life like breathing. Compressions provide oxygenated blood flow to the brain and vital organs. Every second counts, so don't be afraid to make a mistake - doing something is better than doing nothing. 

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): A Lifesaving Tool 

What are AEDs? 

Automated external defibrillators or AEDs are portable electronic devices that automatically diagnose life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and are able to treat them through defibrillation. They are designed to be simple to use for the layperson. AEDs make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. 

How AEDs Work 

AEDs are able to analyze the heart's rhythm and determine if an electric shock is needed to restore a normal heartbeat. If a shock is required, voice prompts will instruct you to press the shock button to deliver the defibrillation. It will then re-analyze the heart rhythm to check if further shocks are needed or if CPR should be performed. 

Using an AED 

Using an AED in an emergency situation could mean the difference between life and death. The steps are quite straightforward: 

1. Turn on the AED and follow the visual and audio prompts. 

2. Expose the person's chest and place adhesive pads or electrode pads in the proper positions as illustrated. 

3. The AED will assess whether the individual requires a shock, and it will either administer one automatically or instruct you to do so. During the AED’s analysis phase, ensure that the person is not being touched by anyone. 

4. Resume CPR if no shock is needed. If a shock is needed, an automatic shock will be delivered, or you will be prompted to press the shock button. 

5. Begin CPR immediately after delivering the shock. Provide chest compressions and rescue breaths as prompted by the AED. 

6. Continue to follow the AED's prompts until emergency responders arrive. 

Having AEDs readily available in public places and training people in CPR and AED use can save countless lives by enabling quicker emergency response in a cardiac arrest situation.  

Getz Healthcare Malaysia is a distributor of automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment in the country. We provide various AED models that are simple and easy to use in emergency situations. Learn more here. 

 

Sources: 

• https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed 
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-arrhythmia/in-depth/automated-external-defibrillators/art-20043909 
• https://www.uscpronline.com/blog/benefits-of-aeds-at-workplace 
• https://cardiovascularbusiness.com/topics/clinical/interventional-cardiology/9-benefits-having-aed-workplace 
• https://www.osha.gov/aed