If you’re confused about the difference between CPR and AED, you’re not alone. If you’re considering taking a CPR or First Aid course, you’re likely seeing both CPR and AED come up a lot in the course descriptions and are probably wondering what they each are and which one you need to know.
With CPR and AED training, you will be able to save the life of a heart attack victim by providing timely assistance while waiting for emergency medical services. Make sure that you learn about the essential lifesaving skills as it will increase the chances of saving the life of a person who suffers from a heart attack. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the difference between CPR and AED.
What is CPR?
CPR stands for “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation,” a lifesaving method used when a person’s heart has stopped. CPR requires the rhythmic compressing of a person’s chest. Chest compressions will physically keep the blood flowing through the body to keep the organs alive. When functioning normally, the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the vital organs. However, when the heart stops, it can lead to severe organ failure, brain damage, and even death in less than 10 minutes. CPR manually keeps the blood flowing so it can continue to deliver oxygen to the organs and can be performed while waiting for help to arrive on the scene.
Take a Free CPR, AED & First Aid Practice Test and prepare yourself for the official CPR/AED certification exam.
What is AED?
AED refers to an “Automated External Defibrillator,” a lifesaving machine that will restart the heart when it stops. AEDs are automated, and the machine itself will walk a person through how to use them in medical emergencies. AEDs are available in most public areas for anyone to use during a cardiac arrest. Another situation in which AED is used is when a person suffers from ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
Also Read- Tips in Choosing The Best AED Device
What’s the Difference Between CPR and AED Training?
If you are in a situation where you see someone experiencing cardiac arrest, performing CPR and using an AED can be the difference between life and death—and knowing when to use each of them is vital.
CPR and AED training are two different steps in saving the life of someone suffering from cardiac arrest. CPR is a procedure to keep the blood pumping when the heart stops, while an AED is a machine that will get the heart started again after it stops. The American Heart Association has stated that the survival rate of the victims nearly doubles when AED is administered along with CPR. In addition, while CPR help maintains blood flow, AED ensures proper heart rhythm. Both are important and increase the odds that a person survives a heart attack.
CPR and AED: Which One Should You be trained In?
The answer is both. CPR/AED training and certification go hand in hand because CPR and defibrillation are needed to save lives during medical emergencies. You can perform basic CPR by pumping the chest with your hands, but further training is required to provide the most effective care possible. An AED’s audio automation will verbally tell you what to do to operate the machine, but more knowledge will benefit anyone who needs to use one. When used together, performing CPR and using an AED provide the best chances of saving a person’s life.