People may assume that only professionals like first aid teams and doctors should know how to use a defibrillator, but that’s not the case. It’s important for everyone to learn first aid, including CPR and using an AED, but why? Here’s what to know about AEDs, why you should learn to use it, and why certification is important.
AED is short for Automated External Defibrillator and it’s important first aid equipment for patients experiencing cardiac arrest. It’s a portable medical device that checks your heart’s rhythm and detects if it’s abnormal, also known as ventricular tachycardia. If it’s detected, the AED delivers an electric shock to the heart, re-establishing an effective rhythm.
Currently, there are different kinds of AEDs available and their prices can vary based on functionality and brand. You can learn about these by taking a CPR Course in Mackay by an accredited instructor.
What is An AED?
Why You Should Learn To Use a Defibrillator
1.
Fewer Deaths Due To Cardiac Arrest
People experiencing cardiac arrest can die without prompt intervention, but a lack of knowledge regarding CPR makes this challenging. Few people are well-versed in CPR and even fewer have a certification for using an automated external defibrillator.
Knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED can reduce the number of deaths due to cardiac arrest. And since AEDs are available in various organisations and institutions, knowing how to use them can help you deal with preventable incidents.
2.
AED Is The Only Way To Restore A Heartbeat Rhythm
Did you know that an AED is the only way to restore a normal heart rhythm after going through cardiac arrest? Learning how to use one can help improve the recovery rates of people who suffer from cardiac arrest because you’ll be providing emergency care. With fewer first responders, patients would have to wait a long time to be seen by a first aid professional or doctor at a hospital.
3.
Improves Survival Rate
Moreover, the sooner you attend to a patient after cardiac arrest, the better their chances of survival. Most deaths occur because the patient is made to wait before a medical practitioner attends to them. Each minute that the person waits, their survival chances go down by 10 percent, making AED training necessary.
Meanwhile, knowing how to use an AED can maintain the ‘chain of survival’ by ensuring that all stages happen in succession.
Recognising the signs of cardiac arrest: early recognition of signs means that you can call for help and intervene quickly.
Early CPR: When a patient is unresponsive and isn’t breathing properly, you can start giving chest compressions. This buys you some time by promoting blood circulation as you wait for first responders to arrive.
Early Defibrillation: Knowing how to use a defibrillator means that you can use it without having to wait for a professional. The AED delivers a controlled electric shock to the patient’s heart, restoring the natural rhythm.
Afterwards, the ambulance and hospital staff can ensure that the patient’s condition is stable and that they have the best chance of survival.
Why AED Certification is Important
Even if you’re motivated to assist someone experiencing cardiac arrest or another medical emergency, you need to have the right certification to help. At the same time, you should know how to prepare for and respond to other emergency situations.
With a CPR Course in Mackay, you’ll learn the necessary first aid skills to save lives during an emergency. As part of the course, you’ll get hands-on training, perform demonstrations so a trainer can assess you, and learn through case studies. Accredited trainers can walk you through cases to prepare you for the type of situations you may encounter.
Learn To Use a Defibrillator At a CPR Course in Mackay
Learning to use a defibrillator can help you intervene and deal with medical emergencies at work, home, and in public. But to have a meaningful impact on your community, it’s important that you receive training from an accredited trainer. It’s a good way to ensure that your technique and timing is accurate.
At First Aid Edge, accredited trainers provide same-day CPR courses in Mackay. They use effective learning techniques that build students’ confidence to deal with medical emergencies. If you’re interested in taking a course to learn about administering CPR, contact First Aid Edge in Mackay today!