Medically reviewed by Dr. Anjan S. Batra, pediatric cardiology at Rady Kids’s Well being (Rady Kids’s)
Understanding AEDs: What dad and mom ought to know throughout Coronary heart Month
Each February, Coronary heart Month reminds us how essential it’s to guard the center well being of the folks we love most, together with our children. Whereas cardiac emergencies in youngsters are uncommon, being ready could make a lifesaving distinction. One easy software all dad and mom ought to learn about is the automated exterior defibrillator (AED).
What’s an AED?
An AED is a medical gadget used to deal with cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest, adjustments within the coronary heart’s regular electrical exercise make it immediately cease beating.
What’s an AED used for?
When an individual is in cardiac arrest, an AED checks their coronary heart’s electrical exercise and tells the AED person whether or not to provide the individual an electrical shock. The shock can typically get the center again into a traditional rhythm.
Are AEDs protected to make use of on youngsters?
Sure. Many AEDs embody pediatric pads or a toddler mode that adjusts the vitality stage for youthful youngsters. If pediatric pads aren’t obtainable, it’s nonetheless safer to make use of normal pads than to do nothing.
The place are AEDs?
AEDs are saved in lots of public locations, together with colleges and sports activities services. They’re made to be simple for bystanders to make use of as a result of fast medical care makes an individual extra more likely to survive cardiac arrest.
Does utilizing an AED change CPR?
No. CPR needs to be began instantly and continued till the AED is prepared and between shocks, if suggested. CPR retains blood flowing to the mind and organs till the center may be restarted.
Do I want medical coaching to make use of an AED?
No. AEDs are designed for on a regular basis folks. They provide clear voice directions that information you step‑by‑step by way of what to do. Coaching is advisable however not required.
When ought to I name 911 throughout an emergency?
Name 911 as quickly as somebody collapses and is unresponsive, or have one other individual name when you start CPR and put together the AED.
What else ought to I do know?
Contemplate getting educated to make use of an AED. Older children and youths can be taught this too. Many AED lessons additionally embody CPR coaching as a result of folks in cardiac arrest usually want CPR too. By being prepared, you might save somebody’s life.
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Study extra about CHOC’s Coronary heart Institute
CHOC and UCLA Well being collectively have been ranked among the many high youngsters’s hospitals within the nation for Cardiology & Coronary heart Surgical procedure by U.S. Information & World Report.
