All you need to know about AEDs

Table of Contents

 

 

• What is an AED?
• Who can use AEDs?
• Heart attack vs sudden cardiac arrest
• Where can I find an AED?
• Where can I practice using AEDs?

 

An estimated 60,000 Canadians experience sudden cardiac arrest yearly outside of hospitals - that’s equivalent to one cardiac arrest happening every nine minutes (Heart and Stroke, 2024). A cardiac arrest - a medical emergency that occurs when a person’s heart stops working - can happen to anyone, anywhere, no matter what your age. Only one in every ten people who experiences a sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital, survive. However, the survival rate can double with fast response using CPR and an AED (Heart and Stroke, 2024).

 

 

What is an AED?

 

AED is the abbreviation for “automated external defibrillator”. It is a portable, easy-to-use medical device that can analyze a person’s heart rhythm. AEDs be used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock when needed to restart the heart. Once the AED is turned on, the user will be guided with automated voice prompts with step-by-step instructions. A call to 911 for an ambulance should also be made so paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can take over the medical emergency once they arrive on the scene.

 

 

Who can use AEDs?

 

AEDs are designed to be used by anyone. The user does not need to be a medical professional. The user isn’t even required to have first aid training. In fact, with some basic knowledge and training, even a child can use AEDs! Pacific First Aid also offers AED training, as a part of all in-person training curriculums, to familiarize students with AEDs and how to use them.

 

 

Heart attack vs sudden cardiac arrest

 

A cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when a person’s heart stops beating (an electrical issue), whereas a heart attack occurs when blood is blocked from flowing to the heart (a circulation issue). While sudden cardiac arrest can sometimes occur during a heart attack, both are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. (American Heart Association, 2024)

 

The symptoms of a cardiac arrest and a heart attack are also different. A person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest can suddenly lose consciousness, have no pulse and no breathing. When a heart attack occurs, a person may experience chest and/or arm pain, shortage of breath and nausea.

 

 

Where can I find an AED?

 

You can find in many public places, such as in many public buildings, malls, schools, airports, and community centres, etc.

 

The PulsePoint Respond app is a great tool that helps you locate an AED nearest you when there is an emergency. You can also register publicly available AEDs on this app. All you have to do is snap a photo of the AED and add short description of where someone can find it. If you choose to register as First Aid certified, the app can send you a notification if medical help is requested near you in public locations.

 

PFA Shop sells AED Trainer equipment and AEDs. If you are interested, you also have the option to rent an AED Trainer as well.

 

 

Where can I practice using AEDs?

 

Pacific First Aid offers AED training as a part of all in-person training curriculums in order to help you get familiar with AEDs and how they work, and to get practical hands-on experience. When you register for any in-person First Aid training, such as Standard First Aid, Emergency First Aid, Emergency Child Care, Red Cross First Aid Instructor or Instructor Recertification, a component of this in-person training includes AED training. Pacific First Aid also offers a standalone CPR and AED training course.

 

 

Let’s build a stronger, more resilient community together!