The highest percentage of sudden cardiac arrest cases take place in public spaces. Studies have shown that automated external defibrillator (AED) can effectively reduce deaths caused by cardiac arrests [1]. These devices’ purpose is to transfer an electric shock to the heart reviving the patient. AED equipment is crucial when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
A person’s survival rates drop by an average of 7% to 10% for each minute before using the defibrillator. On the other hand, it is widely demonstrated the importance of AEDs, which can increase survival chances by 41% to 74% [2].
- AED Pads Standard Placement
AED pads on adults are designed to be placed on the chest and adjacent areas [3]. Public access defibrillation (PAD) uses a similar instrument of medical facilities to perform defibrillation. Generally, the energy and shock rates of AED devices are studied to terminate the ventricular defibrillation. There are a few companies, though, as Mindray, that offers a wider range of energy levels meeting the needs of more subjects. Here is explained how you should attach and use AED pads:
- Take off his/her clothes and apply the pads (carry the patient’s body to a dry location if he collapses at an unsafe place).
- Switch on the AED device.
- Remove the adhesive layer. Apply one pad on the upper-right chest under the clavicle, and the second one needs on the lower ribcage close to the left armpit.
- Press the button if a shock is advised by the AED device. For a fully-automated AED, the electric shock will be automatically delivered without human action. A second shock will be instructed if patients pulse is not stabilized. In some instances, a higher energy shock will be suggested to have better chances of successful defibrillation. There are some AED brands in the market that can provide higher capacity AEDs, such as the BeneHeart C Series AED.
- AED Pads on Women and Children
With women patients, rescuers must remove the bra, then use the pads following the instruction mentioned above.
With children under eight years old or anyone within 25kg, positioning the pads might be tricky. It is recommended to utilize pediatric pads for child treatment. If you do not possess any, they can be replaced with pediatric/adult 2-in-1 pads. Both types are provided by Mindray.
In any case, be careful not to let the pads touch each other, placing one pad in the middle of the chest and the other on the back.
Start the device, letting it send shocks and keep in mind to stay away from the body. Proceed with CPR and AED treatment as long as the child regains consciousness and paramedics arrive.
If you are in the situation of one of your children having heart pathologies, searching on the internet, you can find AED training courses shared by the Red Cross or other resuscitation/health associations.
- AED Padas Application with Metal Implants
It may occur that when utilizing an AED, patients have metal implantations in their bodies [4]. Pacemaker or defibrillator implants’ main function is to assist and control person’s heartbeat. The pacemaker is usually positioned in the upper area of the chest close to the heart. Instead, defibrillators being a bit bigger, are located in the abdomen. Remember though under no circumstances AED pads are to be placed over them.
Rescue CPR LLC provides first-aid training which is dedicated to improving the health and safety of all people. After following these suggestions, if you are still having trouble, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. 
- AED Pads Substitution
AED pads in order to deliver the shocks use water-based electrolytic gel. The pads are connected with wires to electrodes. Keep in mind to always dispose of the pads once they reach the expiration date. The AED then will chirp emitting a signal to tell you when the gel becomes dry. Generally, pads should be changed every two or three years, some types, though can have a longer lifetime (BeneHeart C Series AED pads and batteries can last up to 5 years). Even if your AED pads have a higher life expectancy, it is advised to have extra pads for emergencies. AED replacement pads need to be purchased according to the equipment brand and version.
Remember when you change to new pads also to keep in check the device battery consumption. It is also recommended to keep a record of batteries and pads changes.
When it comes to having a heart attack, AEDs with their operational accessories are the best chance to save a life.
References
[1] Siobhan Gilchrist, M. (2020). A Summary of Public Access Defibrillation Laws, United States, 2010. [online] PubMed Central (PMC). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3372977/ (Accessed: 30 January 2020)
[2] Sports Health. (2009). Available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445113/ (Accessed: 30 January 2020)
[3] CPR / AED Study Guide: Part 2 – National CPR Association. (2020). Available at：
https://www.nationalcprassociation.com/cpr-aed-study-guide-part-2/ (Accessed: 30 January 2020)
[4] AEDs – Special Circumstances | ACLS.com. (2020). Available at：
https://acls.com/free-resources/knowledge-base/bls-articles/aeds-special-circumstances (Accessed: 30 January 2020)
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