AED stands for automated external defibrillator.
The steps for using an AED are 1. turn on AED. 2. expose victims chest and wipe dry to ensure that the pads stick properly to the chest. 3. Apply the pads to chest. 4. plug the connector into AED, if necessary. 5. Let the AED analyze the heartbeat, and tell all bystanders to stand clear. 6. If the AED says a shock is needed, make sure no one is touching the victim and press the shock button on the device. 7. After the shock, if no further shock is advised, perform about 2 minutes of CPR and continue to follow the AED instructions. 8. If at any time the victim shows signs of life, stop CPR and monitor the patients breathing until EMS arrives.
Using an AED differs for a child by possibly having to place one pad on their back if there is a risk of the pads touching each other on the victims chest. The AED will also use a smaller current to shock a child.
The age and weight classifications are: 8 years of age or younger or 55 pounds or less are considered child. Above 8 years of age, or weighing more than 55 pounds are considered adult. You should not touch the patient while the AED is analyzing because it may result in a faulty reading. Also touching the victims while it is defibrillating could result in you being shocked.
5 additional precautions that you should exercise while using an AED are 1. Do not use alcohol pads to wipe chest, because alcohol is flammable. 2. Do not defibrillate someone who is around flammable chemicals. 3. Do not use an AED in a moving vehicle, movement could compromise the analysis. 4. Do not use an AED while someone is in contact with water, move them to a dry area. 5. Do not use mobile phones or radios within 6 feet of the victim, radio frequencies and electromagnetic interference can disrupt the analysis.