Begin by assessing the patient's overall condition to determine the severity of the situation. Consider factors such as responsiveness, breathing, and any visible injuries. The assessment will help in deciding the appropriate next steps and treatments.
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Check responsiveness
2
Check breathing
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Check for injuries
Check for patient responsiveness
Check if the patient is responsive by gently shaking their shoulders and asking if they are okay. If there is no response, it may indicate an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention.
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Responsive
2
Unresponsive
Call for medical assistance
Contact emergency medical services or call for medical assistance immediately to ensure that professional help arrives on the scene as soon as possible. Provide relevant details about the patient's condition and location to the dispatcher.
Open the automated external defibrillator (AED)
Locate and open the automated external defibrillator (AED) according to the manufacturer's instructions. This device is crucial in delivering an electrical shock to the heart, which can help restore normal heart rhythm in certain cardiac arrest cases.
Turn on the AED
Activate the automated external defibrillator (AED) by turning it on. This step prepares the device for use and allows it to perform the necessary functions required for analyzing the patient's heart rhythm.
Bare the patient's chest
Expose the patient's chest area by removing any clothing or obstacles that might block proper attachment of the AED pads. Clearing the chest allows for effective analysis and delivery of shocks if necessary.
Attach AED pads to patient's chest
Carefully place the adhesive pads provided with the automated external defibrillator (AED) onto the patient's bare chest as demonstrated in the device's instructions. Proper attachment is crucial for accurate heart rhythm analysis and effective shock delivery.
Ensure no one touching patient
Ensure that no one, including yourself, is in contact with the patient or touching any part of their body. Physical contact with the patient can interfere with the accurate analysis of heart rhythm and may be hazardous during shock delivery.
Approval: AED Safety Clearance
Will be submitted for approval:
Attach AED pads to patient's chest
Will be submitted
Ensure no one touching patient
Will be submitted
Instruct to clear the patient
Verbally inform everyone around to clear the patient and create a safe distance between them and the patient. Clearing the patient's surroundings reduces the risk of anyone getting injured during the defibrillation process.
Press the analyze button on the AED
Press the analyze button or initiate the heart rhythm analysis as indicated by the automated external defibrillator (AED). This action triggers the device to assess the patient's heart rhythm and determine the need for electrical shock delivery.
Follow AED instruction
Carefully follow the instructions provided by the automated external defibrillator (AED) during the analysis process. The device will provide clear audio and visual cues on whether a shock is required or if cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated.
Allow the AED to analyze heart rhythm
Allow the automated external defibrillator (AED) to complete the analysis of the patient's heart rhythm. This step ensures that the device accurately determines whether a shock is necessary or whether other interventions, such as CPR, should be performed.
If indicated, deliver shock
If the automated external defibrillator (AED) instructs for a shock to be delivered, ensure that everyone is clear of the patient and press the designated shock button. Follow the device's instructions regarding the appropriate delivery method and timing.
Start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by performing chest compressions and rescue breaths as necessary. CPR helps circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs and can be crucial in maintaining the patient's condition until medical help arrives.
Continue CPR until medical help arrives
Continue performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until professional medical help arrives on the scene. Consistent CPR can sustain the patient's vital functions until advanced medical interventions can be administered.
Recall emergency services
Contact emergency medical services again to ensure that they are aware of any changes in the patient's condition or to provide updated information as requested. This step helps maintain effective communication with the medical team throughout the process.
Prepare to transfer patient to the medical team
Prepare the patient for transfer to the medical team when they arrive. This may involve gathering necessary medical records or providing additional information about the patient's condition or any interventions performed.
