Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training are two different life-saving techniques that, when used together, are the most effective way of saving a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Generally, these two techniques are taught together in first aid courses, but if you are unsure of the difference between the two or when to use each method, keep reading.
What is CPR?
CPR refers to the first aid technique where an individual repeatedly compresses a person’s chest to stimulate blood flow and essentially provides an artificial heartbeat. This method is used for someone who has experienced sudden cardiac arrest, which is when a person’s heart unexpectedly stops beating. This procedure will help prevent the patient’s organs from dying, and the chances of brain damage before their heart can be restarted.
What does AED mean?
Chances are you’ve seen an AED before, although it was likely on a medical TV show. You may remember a familiar scene where the doctor grabs a device, pull out two paddles, place them on the patient’s chest, and yells “CLEAR!” before shocking the patient with the two paddles. The device that the doctors are using in that scenario is an AED, a portable device that provides electric shocks which can be used to restart the heart. CPR alone is very unlikely to restart a heart, but when CPR is used with AED, a person’s chance of survival significantly increases.
AEDs are very well designed and will automatically analyze if the heart has regular heart rhythm or abnormal heart rhythm. It will only give a shock if the victim is in ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT). In addition, they will not shock patients who don’t need it, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally shocking yourself when using one. This simple design means that even those with little to no experience can effectively use AEDs to save someone’s life. Check out this essential guide to CPR and First Aid.
When to use AED vs CPR
AED and CPR are both critical in emergencies involving cardiac arrest, but they are used in different situations. CPR provides essential chest compressions to maintain blood flow and oxygen to the brain and heart, while AED provides electrical shocks to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. Using both together increases the chances of survival during a cardiac arrest.
When to Use an AED?
- Cardiac Arrest with No Pulse: If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, and you suspect they are experiencing a cardiac arrest, an AED should be used as soon as possible.
- After Starting CPR: Begin CPR immediately if you suspect a cardiac arrest. If an AED is available, use it as soon as it arrives. The AED will analyze the heart’s rhythm and provide shocks if needed. The AED will guide you through the process with voice prompts and visual instructions. It will only deliver a shock if it detects a shockable rhythm.
When to Use CPR:
- Cardiac Arrest: CPR should be started immediately if a person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping. It helps to maintain blood flow to vital organs until further help arrives.
- Before AED Arrival: Begin CPR while waiting for an AED to arrive. Continue CPR until the AED is ready to use and follow its prompts.
- If AED Is Not Available: If no AED is available, continue performing CPR until professional medical help arrives or the person starts to show signs of recovery.
How does an AED work?
When a person is in VF or VT, the nerve impulses being sent from the brain to the heart are so confusing that the heart cannot work properly and usually flutters or twitches instead of beating. An AED will shock the heart to stop it from spasming. The hope is that the nerve impulses will “re-set” and resume their normal pattern so that the heart can begin beating normally again.
Where can I find an AED?
AEDs are common in public locations, including major department stores, shopping centers, airports, grocery stores, and public transit vehicles. Your workplace likely has one too, and you may want to consider buying one for your home if your family has a history of heart disease. However, your first step in a medical emergency should always be to call 911, and 911 operators can usually tell you where the closest AED is. First responders will always have one, so if you are without an AED, just do CPR until help arrives. Hopefully, we’ll soon have better ways to find AEDs, as there are many companies creating apps to locate all the AEDs around your location during an emergency.
How do I use an AED?
Before using the AED, make sure the patient is not lying in any puddles of water. If they are, move them to a drier area. Once they are in a safe location, turn on the AED. It will give you step-by-step instructions on what to do (or there should be written instructions with the AED). Essentially, you will need to expose the person’s chest, make sure it is dry, and trim any excess chest hair. Having too much hair will prevent the electrodes’ sticky pads from having a good connection with the person’s skin.
Once you have done that, you can place the electrode pads on the person’s chest- one pad on the right-center of the person’s chest above the nipple and the other slightly below the other nipple and to the left of the ribcage. Remove any metal objects like jewelry and underwire bras from the person, to prevent burns when the device shocks them.
The device will analyze the patient’s heart and let you know if an electric shock is needed. Then, stand back and press the “shock” button on the AED to deliver a shock. Although don’t worry, if you happen to be touching the patient when the electrical shock occurs, you’ll likely only feel a slight tingle.
And don’t worry about getting sued for using this procedure on a stranger- Good Samaritan laws will protect you.
AED vs CPR Survival Rates
Survival rates in cardiac arrest cases vary based on several factors, including the use of an AED and CPR. Here's a general overview of how each impacts survival rates:
Survival Rate with AED
The use of an AED is a critical factor in increasing survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests caused by certain heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). Studies have shown that the survival rate can increase from about 5-10% (without AED use) to 30-50% or more when an AED is used promptly. The key is early defibrillation, ideally within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.
CPR Survival Rate
CPR helps to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart until defibrillation can be administered. It is crucial for increasing survival chances and improving the chances of a good neurological outcome. CPR alone increases survival rates to around 20-30%. When combined with AED use, survival rates improve significantly.
Using both AED and CPR together provides the best chance for survival. Immediate CPR helps to keep blood circulating and oxygenating the brain and heart, while the AED can restore a normal heart rhythm. When both CPR and AED are used promptly, survival rates exceeds 40-50%, depending on factors like the time to defibrillation and the quality of CPR performed.
CPR vs AED: How to Decide What to Use?
If you are with a person who has experienced sudden cardiac arrest, your first step should always be to call 911. If you’re unable to leave the victim, ask someone else to call 911 on your behalf. Whether you should do CPR or get an AED will depend on your situation.
If you have another person with you, one of you should go find an AED while the other does CPR. However, if you are alone, you may be better off just doing CPR if you don’t know where an AED is or if there isn’t one nearby. If you are unsure of what to do, ask the 911 operator, and they should be able to direct you on the best steps to take.
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Also Read- CPR Training vs. AED Training – Which One Do I Need?
Frequently Asked Questions About CPR and AED
Here are the frequently asked questions about CPR and AED
How do I know the person is in cardiac arrest?
You will know if a person is in cardiac arrest if there are no signs of breathing or movement. Additionally, you will notice a bluish discoloration around the lips and eyes, which indicates a lack of oxygen. If you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest, it’s crucial to start CPR immediately and use an AED if available.
Should I Leave the Pads On If No Shock is Advised?
Yes, you should leave the AED pads on even if the device indicates "no shock advised." The victim might experience a change in their heart rhythm, such as a return to ventricular fibrillation, or the AED could detect a shockable rhythm later. Keep the AED attached and continue monitoring the victim until emergency medical personnel arrive and take over.
What is Ventricular Fibrillation?
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a serious type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat that occurs in the heart's ventricles. During VF, the heart's electrical signals become chaotic, causing the ventricles to quiver ineffectively rather than pumping blood. This condition prevents the heart from delivering oxygen-rich blood to the body and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly with defibrillation.
Can an AED be used on a child?
Yes. AEDs can be used on children older than one year. Pediatric pads should be used if available, which adjust the shock level. For infants under one year, manual defibrillation is preferred but an AED may be used if no other option is available. According to the American Heart Association, AEDs can increase survival rates in children by 70-75% when used promptly.
Are there any legal risks associated with using CPR or AED?
Yes. Minimal legal risks exist due to Good Samaritan laws in many places, which protect individuals who provide emergency assistance. These laws generally cover both CPR and AED use, provided the rescuer acts in good faith and within their training. For example, a study found that Good Samaritan laws significantly reduce legal risks, with 50 states in the U.S. having such protections.
Is CPR effective without an AED?
Yes, but effectiveness increases with AED use. CPR maintains circulation and oxygenation but cannot restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs are crucial for correcting arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation. Combined, they significantly improve survival rates. Studies show that the chance of survival drops by 7-10% per minute without defibrillation; however, with prompt CPR and AED use, survival rates can be as high as 70%
Do all workplaces require an AED?
No, not all workplaces are required to have an AED. Requirements vary by country and industry. Some regulations mandate AEDs in specific settings like large public areas, certain workplaces, or high-risk environments. For instance, OSHA does not require AEDs in all workplaces but encourages them, particularly in areas where immediate medical assistance is not readily available.
Can AEDs be used in wet environments?
Yes, AEDs are used in wet environment, but with caution. Ensure the victim is moved to a dry area if possible. If not, dry the chest area before applying the pads. Some AEDs are designed for wet conditions and provide specific instructions for use. Research indicates that survival rates can be maintained when precautions are taken, with studies showing effectiveness in wet environments like swimming pools and beaches.
Can You Get CPR AED Certified Online?
You can get CPR AED certified online through online certification classes. These classes offer the convenience of learning from home while still providing the essential knowledge and skills needed for certification. However, it's crucial to choose a credible, trustworthy, and reliable training center like CPR Select.
Try our FREE CPR AED practice test to test your knowledge. In addition, the online class must comply with all government and safety regulations, including the American Heart Association and Emergency Cardiovascular Care guidelines.
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