Introduction
Basic Life Support with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a critical procedure in saving the life of a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It involves providing immediate CPR and using an AED to shock the heart back to normal rhythm. In this article, we will discuss the basics of BLS with AED and how to perform it effectively.
Understanding BLS with AED
BLS with AED involves the following steps:
Assess the situation - check if the person is responsive and breathing normally.
If the person is unresponsive, call for emergency medical services (EMS) immediately.
Start CPR - perform chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Use an AED - turn it on, follow the voice prompts, and apply the pads to the person's chest.
Performing CPR
CPR is a crucial part of BLS with AED. Here's how to perform it:
Position the person on their back on a flat surface.
Kneel beside the person and interlock your hands.
Position your hands on the center of the person's chest and push down hard and fast.
Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Continue CPR until the AED arrives or emergency medical services take over.
Using an AED
An AED is a medical device that can diagnose life-threatening heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock to restore normal rhythm. Here's how to use an AED:
Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
Apply the pads to the person's bare chest.
Make sure no one is touching the person, and press the shock button if advised by the AED.
Resume CPR immediately after the shock.
Conclusion
basic life support with AED is a life-saving procedure that can significantly increase the chances of survival for a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Remember to always call for emergency medical services and perform CPR until the AED arrives. With proper training and practice, anyone can perform BLS with AED effectively.
