Defibrillation and AED use

The topic of defibrillation and AED use will be explored through the fundamentals of defibrillation and the operation of automated external defibrillators, AEDs, including when and why defibrillation is needed in cases of life threatening arrhythmias. We'll review how AEDs work, their accessibility and their impact on survival rates. The steps for performing CPR and using an AED in emergencies will be outlined along with essential safety considerations to follow during defibrillation. We'll discuss a lifesaving intervention, defibrillation and the use of automated external defibrillators or AEDs. Defibrillation delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm during dangerous arrhythmias. When the heart's electrical activity becomes chaotic as in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, it cannot pump blood effectively quickly leading to cardiac arrest and death. Prompt defibrillation is crucial for survival in sudden cardiac arrest. Let's clarify when defibrillation is indicated. It's primarily used in cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation where the heart quivers ineffectively or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, a dangerously fast but ineffective heartbeat. These are called shockable rhythms because an electric shock can restore normal function. Rapid recognition, immediate CPR and prompt defibrillation are critical as guidelines emphasize early defibrillation in the chain of survival.