Guide: How to use a defibrillator

What is a defibrillator?

A public access defibrillator (PAD), also referred to as automatic external defibrillator (AED), is a portable and user-friendly electronic device that can revive a person’s heart after a sudden cardiac arrest.

How does it work?

It can detect potentially critical heart rhythms and administer an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Defibrillator effectiveness

According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, when an AED is used in conjunction with CPR during the first three minutes of a cardiac arrest, it an increase a person’s chance of survival by up to 75 per cent.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation says around 40,000 cardiac arrests occur in Canada each year, equivalent to one every 12 minutes. Its AED program has placed 3,000 defibrillators in public places across Ontario, saving over 40 lives as a result.

According to the Mikey Network, more than 6,500 people in Ontario, including children and teenagers, experience a sudden cardiac arrest each year. So far, 17 people have received a second chance at life with the use of a Mikey, including three students.

How to use a defibrillator

Instructions provided by the Mikey Network for its defibrillators – Philips HeartStart OnSite and LifePak CR Plus

When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, the first two things to do immediately is to call 911 and administer CPR. If that does not re-start a person’s breathing and if paramedics have not yet arrived, an AED can be used.

Although a specific person is usually trained at locations like a school, recreation centre, etc., it’s easy for anyone to use in case of an emergency.

First, open the case and follow the voice instructions. Then, remove the person’s clothing from the chest area and attach the adhesive pads to the chest. The unit will then analyze the individual’s heart rhythms.

Then, the defibrillator, through its voice prompts, will inform the person administering the AED when and if to push the button that delivers the electric shock.

Sometimes, CPR is needed to be administered after the defibrillator is used.

Below is a video demonstration of how a defibrillator works:

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