How Does an AED Work?<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve probably seen defibrillators used on dozens of medical TV shows and in movies. A doctor or medical professional will yell, \u201cClear!\u201d and a powerful jolt of electricity brings the person magically back to life. Have you ever actually wondered how the defibrillator works and why a jolt of electricity can restore someone\u2019s heartbeat? Though television can sometimes make it seem as simple as jump – starting a car, a defibrillator is a very advanced piece of technology and training can make operating it much easier.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, many corporate onsite CPR training courses provide first aid and AED training in addition to CPR training. Learning more about AED technology can help you better understand when you can use it to save someone\u2019s life, and in combination with corporate onsite CPR training, you\u2019ll have the preparation you need to respond during an emergency.<\/p>\n
The Electrical System of the Heart<\/p>\n
Though it may sound strange, every person\u2019s heart<\/a> is controlled by electrical signals within their body. Most organs are controlled by electrical signals that are sent through the nervous system from the brain, but the heart actually has its own source of electrical signals. These electrical signals spread from the top of the heart to the bottom and make the muscles in the heart contract. The rhythm of this contraction, also known as the heartbeat, pumps blood throughout the body at a steady rate.<\/p>\n Without constant pumping of blood, a person\u2019s organs and brain won\u2019t receive the oxygen they need and will start to fail. When a person\u2019s heart stops beating, it is called sudden cardiac arrest, and this is when an AED, or automated external defibrillator, can save a person\u2019s life. With corporate onsite CPR training, you will be able to identify these situations and respond immediately to increase the person\u2019s chance of survival. According to some studies, using an AED and performing CPR can double a person\u2019s chance to survive.<\/p>\n Irregular Heart Rhythms<\/p>\n Why does sudden cardiac arrest occur? Though most people\u2019s hearts have electrical systems that work correctly, some people\u2019s hearts do not receive the right type of electrical signals. This affects the rhythm and rate of their contractions and makes sudden cardiac arrest more likely.<\/p>\n Heart rhythms that are not normal are called arrhythmias. Ventricular fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia that causes the bottom of the heart to beat irregularly. Ventricular tachycardia is another type of arrhythmia affecting the chambers in the bottom of the heart, and both of these arrhythmias can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Arrhythmias can occur in all types of people, and many are not even aware that something is wrong with their heart. Completing corporate onsite CPR training can prepare you for when these emergencies occur unexpectedly.<\/p>\n Using an AED<\/p>\n When someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, an AED might be able to save their life. The electrical signal sent by the device can get the heart beating at the right rhythm again. With its built-in computer, an AED can measure a person\u2019s heartbeat, or lack thereof, and determine if an electric shock is needed. The device\u2019s computer will also be able to determine what type of electric shock is necessary and give instructions so that it\u2019s used correctly.<\/p>\n During this type of emergency, corporate onsite CPR training can ensure that someone knows how to respond and can respond immediately. Every second counts, so it\u2019s important to have people who are trained and prepared. Using an AED correctly can increase a person\u2019s chance of survival to 75%<\/a>. If you are interested in learning more about AEDs and corporate onsite CPR training, contact us today.<\/p>\n Sources:<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/health-topics\/topics\/aed<\/a><\/p>\n