Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AED?
An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable easy to operate lifesaving medical device designed to deliver an electrical shock to a person who is having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). medical emergency. They are designed to be used by a first responder who is usually a non-medical layperson to save the life of an unconscious victim.
How do you operate an AED?
After exposing the victims bare chest, the rescuer connects the pads to the patient and the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).The patient's heart rhythm is then analysed by a computer inside the AED and determines if a shock is required to save the victim. If a shock is required, the AED uses voice instructions to guide the user through saving the person's life or CPR if required.
Watch an actual defibrillation by Bondi Lifeguards using an AED here
Who can use an AED?
AED’s were designed to be used by non-medical people with little or no previous experience or instruction.
In a perfect world everyone should have CPR and AED training, however modern AEDs are designed to be used by any motivated bystander, regardless of training. The devices advise the user about how to apply the device and whether or not to administer a shock. Most of the time, the AED will advise the user with voice prompts to administer CPR, depending on the needs of the victim, however all AED’s supplied by Australian Defibrillators have a voice coach to instruct you during these vital minutes.
From the time that the event occurs to the time that medical help arrives is critical. The instructions from the AED are keeping you productive and giving the patient the very best chance of survival until help, which is on the way, has arrived. The national average response time for an ambulance in Australia is 10-12 minutes and even longer in rural or remote areas. This is the critical time when defibrillation is needed for the patient to survive.
Why Do We Need Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)?
The only definitive treatment for victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is defibrillation. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) usually happens without warning and the majority of people have no previously recognised symptoms of heart disease. For the best chance of survival from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) caused by Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) should be used within the first 3-5 minutes after collapse. Currently less than 5% of victims survive largely because a Defibrillator does not arrive in time. An AED can increase the survival rate to 50% and in some situations like commercial airlines around 70%.
Just as seat belts or airbags do not save every life in a traffic accident, an AED defibrillator will not save every person who suffers a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) however many lives could be saved if more people had access to an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an abrupt loss of pulse and consciousness caused by an unexpected failure in the heart's ability to effectively pump blood to the brain and around the body. It is usually caused by life-threatening arrhythmias, abnormalities in the heart's electrical system.
The sudden cardiac arrest victim collapses, losing their pulse, consciousness, and the ability to breathe. All of this happens quickly and without treatment the victim will be dead within a few minutes.
What is the difference between a heart attack and a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?
Basically a heart attack is a plumbing problem and a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an electrical problem. The heart has many vessels and can operate when some are blocked but a Sudden Cardiac Arrest in like a complete electrical blackout.
What is the difference between a heart attack and a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?
Basically a heart attack is a plumbing problem and a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an electrical problem. The heart has many vessels and can operate when some are blocked but a Sudden Cardiac Arrest in like a complete electrical blackout.
Who is most at risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone anywhere, regardless of age, race or gender however some people are at greater risk than others. The factors that may increase individual risk include:
- Men aged 40 and over
- Post-menopausal women
- Smokers
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High fat diet
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- High cholesterol
- Personal or family history of heart disease
What is the most common treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?
In a word, Defibrillation. Presently this is the only proven method to restore an erratic heart to a normal rhythm for victims of the most common cardiac arrest conditions, Ventricular Fibrillation and Ventricular Tachycardia.
How much time do I have to successfully defibrillate a victim?
Only minutes.
Victims need to be defibrillated within the first 3-5 minutes to have a real chance of survival from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
See by the attached chart how the survival rate decreases as the minutes pass without defibrillation
Can I accidentally hurt the victim with an AED?
No, not if you use the unit according to its commands. Most Sudden Cardiac Arrest victims will die if they are not treated immediately. Paramedics can’t be everywhere in 3 minutes so your actions can only help. AEDs are designed in such a way that they will analysis and only shock victims who need to be shocked.
We already have an AED!
Consider updating to the new generation Beneheart D1 - big screen, WiFi.
As you would realise the pads and batteries have to be replaced at intervals recommended by the manufacturer whether it be Zoll defibrillator, Phillips defibrillator or Powerheart defibrillator. You need to consider the costing of these replacements compared to updating your AED with one that complies with the new resuscitation council guidelines on CPR and Defibrillation. This will also allow you access to our AED Web Manager Program to monitor and maintain your device efficiently and securely.
Can I hurt others or myself with an AED?
It’s highly unlikely if you use it properly. The electric shock is programmed to go from one pad to the other (biphasic) through the victim's chest. Basic precautions, such as not touching the victim during the shock, ensure the safety of rescuers and bystanders. The AED instructs when it’s safe or not safe to touch the patient.
Can AEDs be used on infants or children?
Yes from 1 year + with pediatric pads and in accordance with the following guide. The AED when analysing infants or children will automatically calculate and adjust the shock voltage to suit the patients’ weight and chest wall thickness.
0 – 1 Years - No Defibrillation recommended
1 – 8 Years - Yes with paediatric pads or with adult pads in paediatric mode
8 Years + - Yes with the standard adult pads for patients 25Kgs +
Where Would You Place AED’s?
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