KSC Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does AED stand for? AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator
Why are AEDs important? AEDs strengthen the chain of survival. AEDs detect 'shock able' heart rhythms, typically ventricular fibrillation, associated with sudden cardiac arrests. By delivering a controlled electrical shock, defibrillation, the AED can sometimes restore a normal heart rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest victims. New portable AED models allow more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. When a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, for each minute that passes without defibrillation, their chance of survival decreases by 7-10 percent. AEDs save lives!
What if I mistakenly apply the AED to someone who fainted but still has a pulse, which I could not feel? The AED analyzes the victim's heart rhythm and will only advise and permit a defibrillating shock if the AED detects the appropriate 'shock able' abnormal heart rhythm. It would be very difficult to harm a patient even in such circumstances.
What if I forget the steps for using the AED? The steps for applying the AED pads, using the AED unit and delivering a defibrillating shock to a patient in cardiac arrest are simple and straightforward. The AED unit is voice prompted and will "talk" the user through the steps.
Should I do CPR first or apply the AED? Perform Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), only until the AED arrives. Once the AED arrives apply the electrodes to the patient's bare chest and follow the voice prompts and messages of the AED. The AED will tell you when to resume CPR. CPR buys you time until AED defibrillation is provided.
If defibrillation is so important, why should I do CPR? CPR provides some circulation of oxygen rich blood to the victim's heart and brain. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of heart muscle. CPR buys some time until the AED can arrive and also makes the hart more likely to respond to defibrillation.
Do I need to remove the defibrillator pads before doing chest compressions? No. The pads remain on throughout the resuscitation and until the patient is transferred to advanced care provides such as paramedics.
How much of the patient's clothing needs to be removed to carry out defibrillation? The chest should be exposed to allow placement of the disposable defibrillation electrodes. A woman's bra should be removed. Clothes may need to be cut off to facilitate early defibrillation.
After I have successfully defibrillated the patient and have return of a pulse, do I keep the AED on the patient? Yes, even after a patient has been successfully defibrillated, he/she is at risk of developing ventricular fibrillation again. The AED will continually monitor the patient for the return of VF. If VF is suspected, the device will automatically begin to analyze the patient's heart rhythm after 1 minute of CPR has been completed. The AED should be left on until emergency personnel assume responsibility for the patient. The defibrillation pads (electrodes) are disposable.
What if the patient regains a pulse but is not breathing or is breathing slowly? Give rescue breaths at a rate of 1 every 5 seconds or 12 per minute.
I shocked a woman in cardiac arrest 3 times within minutes after she collapsed. I heard later that she did not survive. Did I do something wrong? Unfortunately, because of other underlying medical or heart problems, not all victims of cardiac arrest who are in ventricular fibrillation (VF) will survive even if defibrillation is done properly and correctly.
What if I don't perform all the steps of CPR and defibrillation perfectly? A cardiac arrest is a high stress situation. Even experienced health care providers do not do everything perfectly. In a cardiac arrest, performing CPR, even imperfectly and using a defibrillator can only help the patient.
What is so important to be sure that the defibrillation electrodes are firmly adhered to a clean, dry chest? Successful defibrillation requires electricity to flow from one electrode to the other through the chest. If the electrodes are not firmly adhered and there is sweat or other conductive material between the electrodes, the electricity will be more likely to flow across the chest rather than through it. This will result in ineffective defibrillation and an increased chance of sparks and fire. (The main reason for removing therapeutic oxygen from the immediate vicinity of the victim.)
Is it okay to place the electrodes directly on a hairy chest? Electrodes must come in direct contact with the skin. If the chest hair is so excessive as to prevent good adhesion of the electrode, the hair must be removed quickly.
What if I'm not certain whether or not I need to apply the defibrillator? Remember this rule: only put the unit on someone you would do CPR on - unresponsive not breathing and no pulse.
Should I use the AED if the patient has a pacemaker or is pregnant? Yes, never withhold AED use in a person in cardiac arrest (unresponsive, not breathing, no pulse.)
Can I defibrillate on a wet surface? Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Be sure the victim's chest is wiped dry. Keep the defibrillation electrodes away from a damp or conductive surface. Clear the victim and defibrillate as usual.
Can I defibrillate on or near a metal surface? Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Keep the defibrillation electrodes away from contact with the conductive surface. Clear the victim and defibrillate as usual. Be sure not to allow anyone to touch the passenger when the shock is delivered.
Can I be sued for using a defibrillator? To our knowledge, there is never a case where someone was held liable for suing an AED, but as you know, anyone can be sued. Likewise, most states, including Florida, have passed "Good Samaritan" legislation protecting the lay rescuer from lawsuits.
Can I accidentally shock another rescuer or myself? AEDs are extremely safe when used properly. The electric shock is programmed to go from one pad to another through the victim's chest. Basic precautions, such a verbally warning others to stand clear and visually checking the area before and during the shock, will virtually ensure the safety of rescuers.
What if the patient has a medication patch on or EKG electrodes on the chest where I want to place the defibrillation pads? Never place AED electrode pads directly on top of medication patches, such as nitroglycerin, or EKG patches. Patches should always be removed and the skin wiped dry before placing defibrillator pads on the skin.
Will I hurt the patient by using the AED? When used on persons who are unresponsive, not breathing, and have no detectable pulse, the AED is extremely safe. The AED makes shock delivery decisions based upon the patient's heart rhythm, and will not allow a shock to be delivered if not needed. The machine will not let you shock a non-shock able rhythm. If the patient needs the criteria; unresponsive, not breathing with no pulse, they probably need to be defibrillated.
How do I find replacement battery at KSC? The facility manager or the AED unit Point of Contact where the AED resides is responsible for providing replacement batteries.
Where do I get materials and supplies for the AED at KSC? Materials and supplies are the responsibility of the facility manager or the AED unit Point of Contact.
Who is responsible for maintenance of the AED at KSC? Maintenance of each AED is the responsibility of the AED unit Point of Contact. If an AED unit Point of Contact is not available, the facility manager is responsible.
Can anyone at KSC use and AED? Yes. At a minimum, CPR training is recommended for all employees at the Spaceport.
What do I do once the AED is used? An AED is considered used when the pads applied to the victim's chest and the machine is turned on. If the AED does not recommend a defibrillating shock, the AED may be reused after the appropriate pre-use checklist. If the AED either recommends and/or delivers a defibrillating shock, the AED unit must be brought to the Occupational Health Medical Director (bldg M6-495, Occupational Health Facility) for download of the internal AED data.
How often do I check the AED for maintenance? The AED is checked weekly and the results are recorded on KSC-28-1016, AED Maintenance Checklist.
After the AED is used, how do I ensure that the unit is ready for use again? AED units which have been used and either defibrillating shocks were advised and/or delivered must be cleared by the OHF Medical Director prior to re-use. Upon re-use, you must perform a battery self test, ensure that new pads are available, check your supplies and replace or discard any expired items.