During the analyzing and shocking process, do not allow anyone to touch the patient.
7. Press the SHOCK button if advised.
8. Follow AED voice prompts and begin CPR immediately.
CHILD/INFANT AED ALGORITHM
1. If more than 1 rescuer is present; Determine unresponsiveness, call for help, notify PIC and Aircare Access. If there is no breathing or only gasping, perform CPR until an AED is available.
2. The lone rescuer should perform 2 minutes of CPR before notifying PIC, contacting Aircare Access or obtaining the AED. Once an AED arrives:
3. Turn on unit and follow voice prompts. Use with pediatric AED pads if possible. Deliver 1 shock (if indicated) followed immediately by CPR starting with chest compressions. Perform about 5 cycles (2 minutes) of CPR and the AED will prompt for another potential shock. Continue this sequence until medically trained responders take over for you.
AED CONSIDERATIONS
• The AED should only be applied to an unresponsive patient.
• Always make sure to confirm the patient is “clear” both verbally and visually.
• You may have to shave excessively hairy patients in order to get the pads to stick to the chest properly.
• Look to see if there is any moisture on your patient’s skin. If so, wipe it away before placing the pads.
• If you see medication patches on your patient, remove them from the chest before placing the pads.
• Take pride in the fact that you are learning this important skill. Even if unsuccessful, you can feel good in the fact that you tried to save a life.
PULSE CHECKS
Changes in CPR no longer require the rescuer to check for a pulse. However, a patient’s pulse rate and quality is one of the very important vital signs you will need to provide to Aircare Access in the case of a medical emergency.
Your body will adjust its pulse as it compensates for emergencies such as significant bleeding, respiratory distress or heart attack. You will even notice pulse changes when a patient is too cold, too hot or experiencing anxiety.
Counting a patient’s pulse is only one step in gathering this important vital sign. Another factor you need to consider is the quality of the patient’s pulse. A pulse can be described as weak and thready, bounding, irregular or non-existent.
There are multiple types of pulses in the human body: central pulses and peripheral pulses. Central pulses are identified as the carotid and femoral. The carotid pulses are located in the neck, on either side of the thyroid. The femoral pulses run down each leg and originate in the groin area. Central pulses are the last pulses to cease when the dying process occurs.
Peripheral pulses are located in the wrist, front of the elbow, behind the knee, on top of the foot and a number of other places. These pulses are weaker by comparison to central pulses and will disappear rapidly as the body’s dying process progresses.
Circulatory System 49
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