The defibrillator : the equipment that saves lives

The defibrillator is an electrical device which is designed to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest. This equipment, the installation of which is propagated in places of high traffic (shopping malls, train stations, airports, etc) save lives. But it is also often used in hospital, raising the awareness of nurses is therefore an important, even vital.

Description of the defibrillator

There are two types of devices: automated external defibrillators (AED) and defibrillators, semi-automatic (DSA), they are subject to a number of obligations.

When it is running a synthetic voice guides the user through the manipulation. In practice, we glue first the two electrodes of the device on the bare skin of the victim. The first under the right clavicle and the second at 10 cm under the left armpit. The device analyses the activity of the heart in order to validate or invalidate the issuance shock in the heart.

The equipment is composed of several elements : a battery, a control box (for battery), razors and towels, patches pediatric and adult, a pair of scissors, a pocket mask and a bag for transportation.

We can also mention the components of the device such that: the liquid crystal display, the speaker, the defibrillation electrodes and their cables, a module external to the memory of the events…

Instructions for use of the defibrillator

The use of a defibrillator requires a training of few hours that can follow a nurse.

A person collapses and is not breathing ! Two actions must be taken to save the life of the latter : turn on the defibrillator and prepare the victim for connecting the electrodes. An electrode under the clavicle and the other 10 inches below the left armpit. The skin of the victim must be naked.

A synthetic voice guides you during the manipulation. Analysis of the heart rhythm by the device and authorization to deliver the shock safely. Now, you can press the button.

In case of refusal of the grant of the shock by the device. We search for signs of circulation if the victim is still not breathing. It is necessary to practice in these conditions, a mechanical ventilation and check for signs of circulation every minute.

In addition to its use in the hospital, don’t forget that the defibrillator is electrical device and that it should not be used in the rain and at the edge of a swimming pool.