Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death all around the world. As cardiac arrest occurs without any warning, the time for resuscitation is vital. Untimely treatment is likely to result in respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, and even death of the patient. Therefore, timely resuscitation is crucial to save lives and reduce damage. CPR and defibrillation are usually the most effective methods for rescuing someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). We will learn about AED Use in this blog.
The process of using a defibrillator to deliver a high-energy electrical shock to the heart of a patient with SCA via. The chest can effectively terminate ventricular fibrillation (VF). Thereby helping to restore a regular rhythm. This is what we call defibrillation. An AED is a portable defibrillator that allows bystanders without medical training to provide timely and effective defibrillation to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. AED use for cardiac arrest patients is guided by voice prompts and step-by-step instructions, making it easy for anyone to use.
Unfortunately, SCA does not just happen to adults but to children and infants as well. Given that, some people may wonder if such a high-energy shock is suitable for infants and children. Most AEDs have a “child mode” or pediatric pads that adjust the shock energy for infants and children. If child pads are not available, adult AED can still be used with caution.
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AED for an Infant and Child
Studies have shown that for an infant or child with SCA, the most effective method to maximize the chances of survival is also through early CPR and defibrillation. If a manual defibrillator and professional rescuers are not available in an emergency situation, an automated external defibrillator is the best option. Generally, there’s little difference in applying AED on an adult or child; only infants or children under 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds need a pediatric mode and pediatric AED pads.
The reasons behind it are that the shock energy they require is much lower than that required by adults, and an AED machine with a pediatric mode reduces the output shock energy without causing side effects of burns or myocardial dysfunction in infants and children. In addition, AED pads for adults are not suitable for infants and children because of their size, while pediatric pads serve the same purpose as standard adult pads but are great for achieving a lower energy shock output. If pediatric pads are not available in an emergency, standard adult pads are acceptable, but make sure they are not touching.
How to Use AED on an Infant and Child?
When you place the pediatric AED pads correctly and connect the circuit, the AED machine automatically analyzes the patient’s heart activity to detect any rhythm defects. In fact, the steps for using an AED device on a child and an adult are roughly the same, but there are still slight differences.
1. Check the AED Equipment
When you get an AED device in good condition, turn it on and check for the availability of the machine and accessories. Do not forget to check if the AED device is equipped with pediatric AED pads. If not, consider replacing one or opting to use standard adult pads. If the AED device is available, follow the voice prompts for the next step.
2. Place the AED Pads
You have to place the infant or child with SCA on a hard and flat surface, undress the patient, and ensure that his/her chest is dry and free of any medication patches. Place the pediatric AED pads in the correct position according to voice and visual image prompts.
For children and infants under 8, AED pad placement differs from that of an adult. It should follow the rules for anteroposterior AED pad placement, i.e., place one pad in the middle of the child’s or infant’s chest and the other on the back directly opposite. For the AED pad placement, some AED brands (such as Mindray AED) will provide simple picture instructions on their pediatric AED pads to help responders quickly find the exact location and launch a smooth rescue.
3. Analyze the Heart Rhythm
When you place the pediatric AED pads correctly and connect the circuit, the AED machine automatically analyzes the patient’s heart activity to detect any rhythm defects. If the AED device detects an abnormal heart rhythm and qualifies for an AED shock, it will issue a recommendation for a shock.
4. Deliver the Shock
After the shock recommendation, the AED asks you to step back and make sure no one is touching the patient. When the conditions for AED shock delivery are available, the AED automatically delivers the shock. However, if you are using a semi-automatic AED, you press the shock button in the center of the machine to deliver the shock.
5. Perform CPR
After delivering the shock, the AED machine instructs you to perform CPR on the patient for two minutes. The steps for performing CPR on infants and children are not the same as those for adults.
For children, use the one-handed CPR technique, which involves placing the heel of one hand in the center of the child’s chest and pushing down hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 times per minute for about 2 inches.
For infants, simply use two fingers (side by side) to find the center of the chest below the line between the nipples and push down 1.5 inches at 100 strokes per minute.
Give sets of CPR (30 chest compressions and 2 breaths) until the patient begins to breathe, cough, or open his or her eyes. Keep the defibrillator on in case another shock is needed; otherwise, continue CPR until EMS arrives on the scene.
AED use has been proven to be appropriate and safe for infants and children with SCA and can effectively improve the chance of survival. Nowadays, AEDs are suggested to be installed in homes, businesses, and other public places to be ready for such emergencies of SCA. With this in mind, AED devices are best chosen with a child mode and equipped with pediatric AED pads that can safely and effectively defibrillate children and infants under the age of 8.
Mindray AED
Mindray is currently one of the few AED providers in the market that offers advanced defibrillation technology. Its AED devices come with child mode and pediatric AED pads and provide interactive voice and image guidance through ResQNavi technology, making them easy and user-friendly to operate.
This AED automatically switches modes according to the connected AED pads, so responders don’t have to worry about changing modes in a panic. The important point is that Mindray AED can be pre-set to deliver shock energy for infants and children, making defibrillation safer.
Keep in mind, the performance and safety of any AED largely depend on proper training and correct usage; you can’t rely solely on technology.
If you are considering an AED with adult and child modes, Mindray AED can be a user-friendly and cost-effective option.
Price Of Mindray AED
The price of the Mindray AED may vary based on the model and supplier, typically ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹1,20,000. For an accurate quote, please contact an authorized distributor.