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Cardiac Arrest is caused by the complete stopping of blood circulation and heart pumping. The heart was not able to contract normally which results to loss of consciousness and of breathing. This medical situation is one of the primary causes of death in many countries. It happens abruptly and most of the time leaves people not knowing what to do. However, cardiac arrest is a reversible medical emergency. To do that, it requires imperative treatment which is routinely performed using first aid devices such as the automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator. These devices are easier to use as compared to the regular defibrillator in the hospitals. How does it help reverse cardiac arrest? It sends electric shock to reestablish the heart’s contraction and regain normal function. The use of this device is presented in many CPR classes as first aid response to patients, although non medical personnel will be able to use this. They are now available in most establishments as part of their first aid devices. What to do when someone succumbs to cardiac arrest? 1. Call Emergency Medical Service (EMS) or simply dial 911. Get the defibrillator unit and switch it on. If there is more than one responder, administer CPR to the victim until the device is ready. (Be sure that the pads and batteries of the device are not expired) 2. Remove the victim’s shirt and any metallic accessories (rings, jewelries, watch, belt, and torso piercings). For women, the underwire bra may cause possible arcing or fire. Thus, removal is necessary. 3. Follow the instructions and diagrams according to the machine. Place the electrode pads on the chest. Proper placement of the pads is on upper right side of the chest and the other placed on the lower left side. 4. Plug in the pads’ connector. Stop CPR and do not touch the victim. The defibrillator at this time is assessing the victim’s heart rate if there is a need to apply shock. 5. If the machine indicates a need to deliver a shock, apply shock by pushing the orange button on the machine. Before doing so, make sure that no person is in contact with the victim’s body by shouting “clear”. The need to reapply shock will be reassessed by the machine. If needed, simply push the orange button again. 6. Detach the pads and connector after application. Check the victim’s pulse and breathing to see if they are reestablished. If there is no sign of pulse, administer CPR one more time. Then, repeat defibrillation. In the United States, there is a Good Samaritan law that covers the “Good Faith” protection. The law means that a volunteer responder who uses or attempts to use automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator will be immune to any civil liability in any case that the attempt or use results to harm or death of the victim. The improper use or insufficient care was unintentional and that the action was due to the need of the situation or in good faith.
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Cardiac Arrest, Semi-automatic external defibrillator, First Aid device,
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