For cardiac arrest patients, prompt emergency intervention significantly increases survival rates. Many locations, including subway stations, now deploy AEDs. This life-saving device features straightforward operation—when encountering cardiac arrest, using an AED can restore the patient's heart rhythm.Therefore, it is essential for people to learn how to use an AED. This knowledge enables them to offer assistance during emergencies and help patients overcome critical situations. How to Use an AED for Cardiac Arrest? 1. Power On The device features a green button, which is the AED's power switch. The defibrillation button is red. To power on the device, press the green switch after retrieving the AED.
2. Apply Pads
After turning on the AED, follow the voice prompts. Remove the electrode pads and place them on the patient's chest skin according to the instructions. (Note: Shave chest hair before applying pads if the patient has significant chest hair.Also, if the chest skin is wet, remember to dry it first.)
3. Plugging in
After attaching the pads, the rescuer must remember to keep both hands away from the patient's body. Next, plug the pad connectors into the AED. The device will automatically analyze the patient's heart rhythm. If defibrillation is needed, the device will voice prompt "Shock advised."
4. Defibrillation
If defibrillation is indicated, press the defibrillation button directly to initiate the shock.
After defibrillation is complete, remove the pads and resume CPR. Crucially, keep both hands away from the patient during the device's heart rhythm analysis and throughout the defibrillation process.Failure to do so may interfere with ECG analysis during the initial phase and risk injury to bystanders during the discharge phase.
How to Prevent Sudden Death?
Cardiac arrest is the direct cause of sudden death. Learning AED operation enables you to assist patients during cardiac arrest and reduce life-threatening risks. To safeguard health, daily prevention of sudden death is essential to avoid cardiac arrest:
1. Regular health checkups
Medical examinations help detect diseases early. If conditions like heart disease, myocarditis, or valvular heart disease are identified, take proactive steps to prevent sudden death. Untreated cardiac arrest often proves fatal. Follow your doctor's treatment plan, take medications as prescribed, and adhere to medical guidance.
2. Ensure Adequate Sleep
Insufficient sleep accelerates aging. Chronic sleep deprivation depletes physical reserves, and severe exhaustion significantly increases sudden death risk. Individuals who regularly stay up late or pull all-nighters face particularly high dangers due to prolonged sleep deprivation.
3. Treat constipation promptly
Individuals with constipation experience significant strain during bowel movements. Elderly constipation sufferers may become dizzy after defecation, potentially leading to sudden death. Excessive straining during bowel movements can trigger cerebral hemorrhage and sudden cardiac arrest.It is advisable to address constipation promptly in daily life. For instance, increasing intake of vegetables and fruits boosts fiber consumption. This promotes intestinal motility, aids in maintaining regular bowel movements, and offers some preventive effect against sudden death in the elderly.For instance, intense joy or rage can trigger cardiac arrest. Without prompt intervention, sudden death may occur. To prevent this, practice emotional regulation daily, maintain a positive mindset, and avoid extreme emotions like profound grief, euphoria, or anger. Stay calm in challenging situations and use deep breathing to regulate your respiration.