AED Myths and Facts

AED stands for "Artificial Exterior Defibrillator"

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Automated External Defibrillator

AED is useful in the following situation:

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• Heart Attack

• Choking

• Unconcious with no pulse

Answer explanation

Trick question: Hiemlich manuveur for choking.

However, choking can lead to unconciousness and no pulse situation, where AED should be made ready and available

Only trained personnel should use the AED

• True

• False

Answer explanation

AEDs can be used effectively by anyone who can follow visual and voice prompts.

AEDs are safe and effective and will not administer shock to the casualty unless shocks are needed to restore a healthy heartbeat.

• True

• False

AED is used to revive a casualty whose heart has stopped beating

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Defibrillation is an electrical current applied to the chest.

AEDs only delivers a shock when the heart is undergoing Ventricular Fibrillation

(abnormal and fast activity of the heart)

to help the heart reorganize the electrical activity so it can pump blood again.

Continue to perform CPR while the AED is analyzing heart rhythm, so as to not lose any precious time.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It is important not to touch the victim while the AED is "analysing" as it may detect your heart rhythm