How to Use a Defibrillator in Australia: Requirements Explained
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How to use a defibrillator is as easy as switching it on. In the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest, AED use can be life-saving. The proper use of AEDs is a key part of basic training in administering first aid, for both medical and lay personnel in Australia. In this article, we give helpful information about who can and should use an AED, what the settings and conditions are for the use of an AED, the overall legal and health framework that govern their use, and how you can get trained to respond with confidence to any emergency.
Can You Use an AED Without Training?
In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, both trained and untrained people can use automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The Safe Work Australia code of First Aid Practice states that AEDs “provide audible step-by-step instruction on how to use them and how to perform CPR”. This indicates that AEDs are intended to be usable by anyone, even without prior training.
In Australia, Good Samaritan statutes safeguard individuals who engage in providing emergency aid using an AED. Whether they are trained or not, these statutes are designed to help motivate individuals to intervene in emergency situations by alleviating the anxiety of legal consequences. The only proviso is that the person providing first aid must act in good faith and without malicious intent.
Even if you don’t know how to use a defibrillator, using an AED without training can still save lives, as the device guides the user through the process with clear automated instructions and voice prompts. However, trained individuals are more likely to apply the defibrillator correctly and swiftly, recognise the signs of cardiac arrest more accurately, and perform essential life support tasks like CPR more effectively.
What Conditions Require a Defibrillator?
Defibrillators are essential in episodes of cardiac arrest, where the person’s heart ceases to beat regularly. This might encompass conditions such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia—both irregular rhythms that hinder the heart from distributing blood efficiently.
The principal signs signalling the deployment of an AED involve sudden collapse, lack of responsiveness, not breathing normally, and the absence of any pulse. In these instances, the immediate application of a defibrillator can reinstate the heart’s regular rhythm and possibly preserve a life.
How Effective is CPR Without an AED?
CPR is vital for maintaining minimal blood flow during cardiac arrest, especially if the heart has no shockable rhythm. In most cases of sudden cardiac arrest however, CPR effectiveness is significantly increased when combined with defibrillation, which can restore a viable heart rhythm.
Pre-Defibrillation Checklist
Ensuring Safety
The first step in how to use a defibrillator, it is vital to ensure the safety of the environment—checking for any potential risks such as water or flammable materials near the person’s body.
Assessing the Victim
It is crucial to verify that the person is indeed experiencing cardiac arrest—checking for unresponsiveness and absence of normal breathing—and to call triple zero (000) for medical help immediately.
The 7 Steps of How to Use a Defibrillator
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Turn on the AED.
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Expose the victim’s bare chest and attach the electrode pads.
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Ensure everyone is away from the victim.
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Allow the AED to analyse the heart rhythm.
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If a shock is advised, press the shock button when it is clear.
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Continue CPR after the shock until the AED reevaluates or emergency personnel arrive.
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Follow any further instructions from the AED or professional rescuers.
Post-Defibrillation Actions
It is important to stress here that, after using an AED, it is crucial to continue CPR until the person recovers or emergency assistance takes over. Monitoring the person’s response and readiness to act again if needed are both vital first aid procedures.
The Consequences of Unnecessary Defibrillation
While AEDs are constructed to avoid a shock unless it’s essential, improper application can introduce additional complications or overlook existing health issues the individual might have, like a pacemaker.
Electrical Shock Risks:
Operating an AED in damp surroundings or in the presence of moisture can allow the electrical shock to disperse through the water, risking injury to the operator or nearby individuals. Not ensuring that everyone is clear of the patient when the shock is issued can also lead to accidental electrical shocks.
Ineffective Treatment:
Misplacing the electrode pads on the patient’s torso can hinder the defibrillator from effectively administering the shock, thus failing to achieve a regular heart rhythm. Trying to administer an AED to a patient who is not exhibiting a shockable rhythm (e.g., flatlined) will not resuscitate them and may even inflict additional damage.
Delayed Emergency Response:
Misinterpretations about when and how to operate an AED can result in postponements in delivering critical life-saving interventions, reducing the patient’s likelihood of survival.
Potential Complications:
Misuse of an AED, such as applying it to infants or small children, might lead to issues like skin damage, burns, or in some cases may even trigger cardiac arrest.
Learn How to Use a Defibrillator With Skills Training College
Understanding how to use a defibrillator effectively involves more than just following prompts. It requires awareness of the device’s functions, and the ability to perform associated life support techniques such as quality CPR. With proper training by registered first aid providers like Skills Training College, individuals can make a substantial difference in emergency outcomes, potentially saving lives and enhancing community health resilience. By fostering widespread AED training and accessibility, Australia can continue to improve its public health response capabilities, ensuring that more lives are saved during cardiac emergencies.
For those looking to receive comprehensive training in how to perform quality CPR and properly use an AED, Skills Training College offers nationally accredited courses. These courses equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond confidently in emergencies, ensuring they can provide effective aid and operate an AED with precision and safety.
Enrol now in a fully accredited, affordable and same day certified first aid course or CPR course and become a confident first aid responder for your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Three Priorities of Life Support?
The three priorities of life support are maintaining an open airway, ensuring effective breathing, and promoting adequate circulation. An open airway allows oxygen to reach the lungs, which is fundamental for survival. Effective breathing ensures that oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the lungs, supporting cellular function. Adequate circulation distributes oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, sustaining organs and tissues.
Is it a Legal Requirement to Have an AED at My Business?
In Australia, there is no nationwide legislation mandating the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in businesses. However, safety guidelines typically require employers to assess the need for safety equipment based on their specific circumstances, which may include AEDs, particularly in high-risk industries.
Do You Always Need to Use an AED for CPR?
An AED is not always necessary when performing CPR, but it plays a significant role in increasing the chances of survival during sudden cardiac arrest. CPR alone helps maintain blood flow to the brain and heart, but an AED is designed to deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. In cases of cardiac arrest, where the heart’s rhythm is disrupted, using an AED alongside CPR is recommended as it significantly improves outcomes.
