Medically reviewed by Dr. Anjan S. Batra, pediatric cardiology at Rady Youngsters’s Well being (Rady Youngsters’s)
Understanding AEDs: What mother and father ought to know throughout Coronary heart Month
Each February, Coronary heart Month reminds us how essential it’s to guard the center well being of the individuals we love most, together with our youngsters. Whereas cardiac emergencies in kids are uncommon, being ready could make a lifesaving distinction. One easy device all mother and father ought to find out about is the automated exterior defibrillator (AED).
What’s an AED?
An AED is a medical machine used to deal with cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest, adjustments within the coronary heart’s regular electrical exercise make it out of the blue cease beating.
What’s an AED used for?
When an individual is in cardiac arrest, an AED checks their coronary heart’s electrical exercise and tells the AED consumer whether or not to present the individual an electrical shock. The shock can generally get the center again into a traditional rhythm.
Are AEDs secure to make use of on kids?
Sure. Many AEDs embody pediatric pads or a toddler mode that adjusts the vitality degree for youthful kids. If pediatric pads aren’t accessible, it’s nonetheless safer to make use of normal pads than to do nothing.
The place are AEDs?
AEDs are saved in lots of public locations, together with colleges and sports activities amenities. They’re made to be simple for bystanders to make use of as a result of fast medical care makes an individual extra prone to survive cardiac arrest.
Does utilizing an AED change CPR?
No. CPR must be began instantly and continued till the AED is prepared and between shocks, if suggested. CPR retains blood flowing to the mind and organs till the center may be restarted.
Do I want medical coaching to make use of an AED?
No. AEDs are designed for on a regular basis individuals. They provide clear voice directions that information you step‑by‑step via what to do. Coaching is really useful however not required.
When ought to I name 911 throughout an emergency?
Name 911 as quickly as somebody collapses and is unresponsive, or have one other individual name when you start CPR and put together the AED.
What else ought to I do know?
Take into account getting skilled to make use of an AED. Older children and teenagers can be taught this too. Many AED courses additionally embody CPR coaching as a result of individuals in cardiac arrest typically want CPR too. By being prepared, you might save somebody’s life.
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Be taught extra about CHOC’s Coronary heart Institute
CHOC and UCLA Well being collectively have been ranked among the many prime kids’s hospitals within the nation for Cardiology & Coronary heart Surgical procedure by U.S. Information & World Report.