Automatic External
Defibrillation
4 hours Course
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in
Europe, affecting about 700,000 individuals a year. Many
victims of sudden cardiac arrest can survive if by-standers act
immediately while ventricular fibrillation is still
present.
Electrical fibrillation is well established as the only
effective therapy for cardiac arrest and the scientific evidence to
support early defibrillation is overwhelming; the delay from
collapse to delivery of the first shock is the single most
important determinant of survival.
The chances of survival declines at a rate of 7-10% with each
minute of delay; basic life support will help maintain a shock-able
rhythm but is not a definitive treatment.
At the end of the course, the student
will be able to:-
- Act safely, promptly and effectively
- Understand their duties
- Perform a risk assessment prior to use
- Understand the need for early defibrillation
- Operate the AED unit and consumables effectively and
appropriately in accordance with current procedure
- Respond to the needs of the casualty in cardiac
arrest
What the course will cover:-
- Statisctics and definitions
- The functions of the normal
heart
- Effects of cardiac arrest on the
heart and body
- Ventricular fibrillation/pulse-less
VT and defibrillation
- The AED unit and controls
- Placement of electrode pads
- Data card reading (example)
- Power up/on and functionality of your
machine
- AED algorithms and procedures
- What to do if the casualty starts to
breathe normally
- Post cardiac arrest management prior
to the arrival of the ambulance
- AED in children
- Support