Differences Between Monophasic & Biphasic Shock Delivery for AEDs
Monophasic vs. biphasic waveform defibrillation refers to two different shock techniques that can potentially reset the heart of someone in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The main difference between monophasic and biphasic shock delivery is that a monophasic electrical current moves in a single direction while a biphasic current is bidirectional (moving in a […]
Signs That Your Heart Failure Is Getting Worse
Heart failure (also known as congestive heart failure) can reduce your life expectancy and increase your chances of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, which is why it’s important to be able to recognize symptoms of heart failure getting worse. If you have been diagnosed with pre-heart failure (stage A or B) or heart failure (stage […]
What Is a Manual Defibrillator?
First aid responders and anticipated AED users often hear manual defibrillators mentioned in the course of their training, but what is a manual defibrillator and how is it different from an automated external defibrillator (AED)? If you have an AED on-site or are curious about medical devices in general, understanding what a manual defibrillator is […]
Can an AED Be Used on Someone in Water or Snow?
Using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on someone submerged in water is both dangerous and ineffective. However, you can use an AED on someone who is partially wet. If you see someone go into sudden cardiac arrest in the swimming pool, in the rain, in the snow, or on an ice rink, knowing what to […]
What Are Shockable Rhythms on an AED?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is designed to analyze the heart of a sudden cardiac arrest victim and, if it’s a shockable rhythm, the AED will deliver a shock. But what is a shockable rhythm? And what happens when one of the two AED-shockable heart rhythms isn’t present? If you are a potential AED user […]
Is the 30:2 Method for CPR Necessary?
30:2 CPR—cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with a ratio of 30 chest compressions to two rescue breaths—is an emergency lifesaving procedure that a bystander can perform if they see someone go into cardiac arrest. But are the rescue breaths really necessary, or can you simply give chest compressions until the emergency medical services arrive? If you might […]
The Differences Between Stroke & Cardiac Arrest
Knowing the differences between cardiac arrest vs. stroke is important, as it allows you to recognize what is going on in an emergency and offer appropriate assistance. While the cardiac arrest and heart attack are often confused, the symptoms of a stroke are quite different from both of these conditions and can be equally fatal if […]
What Does It Mean If Your Heart Jumps When Falling Asleep?
It can be scary when you feel like your heart jumps when falling asleep. The good news is that it’s most often harmless. If you experience arrhythmias at nighttime, jerk suddenly, or feel like you’re falling in bed, knowing what you’re dealing with can help you to take the appropriate action. Reasons You Might Feel […]
AED Requirements in Illinois for Public and Private Facilities
AED requirements in the state of Illinois are laid out in 410 Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4[mfn]law.justia.com[/mfn], known as the Automated External Defibrillator Act. The Automated External Defibrillator Act describes: Who is exempt from civil liability when using an automated external defibrillator Who needs to complete training in the use of an AED Maintenance and […]
The Importance of Teaching Kids CPR for Emergencies
Teaching kids CPR for emergencies could save thousands of lives each year[mfn]thelancet.com[/mfn], according to an article published in The Lancet. In countries where CPR training is mandatory in schools, lay resuscitation occurs 60-75% of the time, and survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can be tripled. When provided with the necessary skills, children and teens […]