Defibrillation is a process in which an electrical device called a defibrillator sends an electric shock to the heart to stop an arrhythmia resulting in the return of a productive heart rhythm. Purpose Defibrillation is performed to correct life-threatening arrhythmias of the heart including ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. In cardiac emergencies it should be performed immediately.
when the Defibrillator (Automated External Defibrillation) arrives, you must immediately unpack it and prepare to fix the pads to the casualty.
If you have trained help, then allow them to continue with CPR until you are ready.
if not, then stop CPR and unpack it yourself.
It is important from here on in to follow the voice prompts as soon as the pads are connected and the AED is switched on.
If the AED voice prompts you to shock the casualty, ensure everyone is clear before pressing the shock button.
if you are prompted to commence CPR then quality CPR is important
ensure that you compress at the right depth and at the right speed
Here are the details of how deep and fast you should do chest compressions:
PAEDIATRIC DEFIBRILLATIONFOR CHILDREN & INFANTS
Most manufacturers will have specially designed pads for defibrillating children.
Generally speaking a child is deemed as being from the age of 1 to 8, or up to 25kg in weight (55lbs).
Any young person aged from 8 upwards, should be treated as an adult for the purposes of defibrillation.
A you know from an earlier module an infant is aged from birth to 1 year old – some AED manufacturers will be able to provide pads for this age group. You would need to check with your suppliers.