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Defibrillators: First aid in cardiac arrest
An automated external defibrillator is a rescue device for sudden cardiac arrest. It enables first responders to help affected individuals in a timely manner, even without medical knowledge. The defibrillator complements the classic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Life-saving emergency technology for everyone
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Who can use an automated defibrillator?
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How does a defibrillator work?
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What was it about the clock?
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What was a defibrillator training device?
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What was to be observed when purchasing a defibrillator?
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What accessories are available for defibrillators?
Life-saving emergency technology for everyone
An external defibrillator is an electrical shock device for medical emergencies and resuscitation that can save lives. It is used at cardiovascular standstill and provides electrical impulses to the patient as a life-saving measure.
There are electronic defibrillators for use by medical personnel and emergency services, such as hospitals, medical practices, and ambulances. In addition, defibrillators are offered, which can also be used by appropriately trained users or medical laymen without any special knowledge. These semi-automated devices are designed to be used by first responders in the event of a circuit shutdown.
Automated defibrillators guide the rescuer through use with visual signals and comprehensive voice prompts. You will tell him exactly what steps are needed to resuscitate the affected person with the defibrillator through a voice dialog using an integrated speaker. The device automatically checks the patient's heart rhythm and determines whether the conditions for delivering a saving current are met. Only when the patient is sure that he or she does not have a normal heart rhythm and needs a defibrillator will the device release the shock. It then directs the rescuer to deliver it and perform a compressions.
Who can use an automated defibrillator?
In the event of sudden cardiac arrest, the first few minutes, according to expert opinion, are crucial to survival. If the right measures are taken during this period until the rescue service arrives, chances of survival are significantly increased. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in busy locations such as public places, public-transport buildings, government agencies, airports, subway stations, train stations, public facilities and private buildings, in conjunction with a chest compressions, can help to minimize the duration of the circulatory standstill of unconscious, unresponsive persons, Until the emergency services are on site.
The term "AED Devices" is based on their product characteristics. The "automated" indicates a defibrillator that can be operated by almost anyone without specific prior knowledge. Nevertheless, the devices are intended for use by persons who have been instructed in the operation of the device . "External" refers to the class of defibrillator device that is not worn in the patient's body like an implanted model. The "D" in the abbreviation AED stands for defibrillator, which is a device for the treatment of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular flutter caused by electrical shocks.
Defibrillators are available for commercial and personal use. In the case of commercial use, the Medical Products Act requires a device instruction – for more information, please refer to the product description for the respective device. Users should have attended basic life-saving training with defibrillators, advanced life-saving and life-sustaining procedures, or an emergency care course approved by a physician.
Periodic maintenance checks for defibrillators
To make the device ready for use when you need it, you should check the defibrillator regularly. Check the status displays on the housing. The devices carry out automatic self-tests and informs you in the event of a fault through an appropriate signal. If a battery level warning appears, a replacement of batteries is pending. Also check the expiration date printed on the electrode packaging. If it is exceeded, you must replace the electrodes. It is best to get a replacement in time when the expiration date is nearly reached to save life at the critical moment through defibrillation.
How does a defibrillator work?
A defibrillator – the common abbreviation is Defi – is a medical high-tech product despite its handy dimensions. It consists of the microprocessor-controlled main unit with integrated batteries and electrodes attached to the patient's upper body.
A short CPR brief is shown on the housing. In case of an emergency, the device explains every necessary step after switching on by loud and clear voice instructions as well as LED-lamps and pictograms on the housing. Always call 112 first or ask other first responders to call the emergency service before using the device.
In the first step, the speaker voice tells you how to remove the two self-adhesive electrodes from the sealed packaging and attach them to the patient as instructed. To do this, you usually have to remove an adhesive foil.
The defibrillator then analyzes the condition of the person and makes an ECG. Various cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are detected. If during the analysis phase the device determines a life-threatening condition in which the conditions for defibrillation are medically met, it informs the user about the further measures . The user is prompted to stop touching the patient and then press the Shock button.
The device then delivers an impulse – the defibrillation shock – at the correct moment in sync with the heart rhythm of the affected person in a suitably calculated strength. The intense current surge is intended to restore normal heart rhythm. The rescuer is then notified that he or she may touch the person again to continue the compressions.
What was it about the clock?
Chest compressions, such as those trained in first aid courses such as driving licenses, are considered the most important measure of resuscitation in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. It is easy to carry out. Many defibrillators support responders with an integrated clock. The acoustic signal helps to resume chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth ventilation after defibrillation and to perform it in the correct rhythm until a paramedic or emergency doctor arrives or the person breathes normally again.
What was a defibrillator training device?
There are AED training devices or AED training devices, especially for the training area and CPR exercises with chest compressions and a defibrillator. They include a series of training examples that can be used to simulate typical patient situations, such as cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation. The training device gives additional instructions for ventilation and massage. The supplied electrodes are reusable and easy to change.
What was to be observed when purchasing a defibrillator?
A good defibrillator is characterized by its compact dimensions, ease of use and high reliability. The following product features are also relevant for the selection:
Battery and pads cartridge
Devices with a combined battery and pads cartridge simplify the maintenance of the Defis. The cassette includes disposable electrodes and a long-life disposable battery. Changing the cassette supplies the defibrillator with new electrodes and a fresh battery in one go.
Battery life
: Pay attention to the battery life indicated in the product description. It is ideally several years. The longer the battery lasts, the less maintenance the device requires. After the battery life has expired, or if the device displays it, you must replace the battery. Unnecessary switching on of the device reduces the service life.
Temperature range
Defibrillators are approved by the manufacturer for operation within a specific temperature range specified in the product properties. The devices are usually°° designed to operate at an operating temperature of 0 C to 50 C. Operation outside this range may cause malfunctions.
Dimensions
a small device requires less space and can therefore be attached or set up in such a way that it is always within reach.
IP-Protection class
Defibrillators are designed to function reliably at all times in a wide variety of conditions. The IP protection class in the product description provides information about the influences against which the respective device is protected. The abbreviation "IP" stands for "International Protection" and the two codes indicate the degree of protection against dust, splash water and splash water.
Manufacturer's warranty
Compare the manufacturer's warranty described in the product details. A long-term guarantee is advantageous.
Children and adolescents
For children and adolescents, patients below an age limit defined by the manufacturer of the respective defibrillator, or those affected below a specific weight limit, some manufacturers offer optional electrodes.
What accessories are available for defibrillators?
You can add the correct accessories to the defibrillator to supplement the emergency equipment. A wall box with a viewing window is recommended for optimal placement of the device. The wall bracket made of metal or plastic protects the Defi against dirt and dust. In case of an emergency, the device can be easily removed. A transparent housing or viewing window allows you to view the status lights. This allows you to recognize immediately when a battery change is pending or the resuscitation device requires maintenance.