CPR and AEDs

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Early and effective CPR can significantly increase a person’s chance of survival during a cardiac arrest. Hands-only CPR, which means compressions only and no rescue breaths and pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, can help maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is an electronic medical device that is used to detect specific heart rhythms that occur when someone has gone into cardiac arrest. When the AED detects an abnormal “shockable” rhythm, it will produce an electrical charge through the heart in an attempt to reset the heart back into a normal rhythm. The device uses a series of voice prompts to guide the user through the process. When the user follows the prompts from an AED there is very little risk to the rescuer and patient. There are various types of AEDs and manufacturers. Regardless of the manufacturer or appearance, they function the same way once the unit is powered on.

AEDs are located throughout our community, including in schools, emergency shelters, sports and recreational facilities, Regional and government offices and private businesses. An AED in a public facility should be accessible to anyone. No training is required to use these devices. Below are some examples of some different models of AEDs that can be found through York Region.

Automated external defibrillators are very safe and easy to use and can increase a person’s chance of survival by up to 75% when used together with CPR! Multiple studies show the chances of survival for an individual who is left untreated due to cardiac arrest decreases by 7 to 10% per minute. Survival rates as high as 90% have been reported when a defibrillator has been applied within the first minute. The chances of surviving increase even more when chest compressions (CPR) are also done.

Cardiac arrest or a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart has abnormal electrical activity, or rhythms, that compromise the individual’s ability to circulate blood properly. Most of the time when cardiac arrest occurs the heart goes into either Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) or Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). When the heart is in one of these rhythms there is no real circulatory function. An AED is programmed to recognize these ‘shockable’ rhythms and to deliver a shock or a defibrillation.

Someone’s life can depend on it!

• Studies show the chances of survival for an individual who is left untreated due to cardiac arrest decreases by 7 to 10% per minute
• Survival rates as high as 90% have been reported when a defibrillator has been applied within the first minute
• Survival rates for SCA are highest if the defibrillator’s shock has been given within the first three minutes of collapsing
• When the application of an AED is delayed beyond 10 minutes, the chances of irreversible brain damage increases significantly, and the survivability deceases to less than 2%
• Not every AED can be applied within one minute of a person suffering cardiac arrest, which is why Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is also important
• CPR that is performed prior to a defibrillator can “buy time” until an AED arrives. CPR will help preserve brain and heart function because compressions will circulate blood

The only bad CPR is the CPR that is not done at all. There is a chance that doing chest compressions can break a rib, but early CPR and application of an AED can save a life!

AEDs are very safe and easy to use. AEDs provide step-by-step visual and/or voice prompts to allow even untrained bystanders to use the device correctly and include a safety feature that prevents unneeded shocks. An AED will only deliver a shock when it senses one of two cardiac rhythms (or patterns of electrical activity in the heart) and they will not try to deliver a shock at any other time.

Yes!  AEDs provide step-by-step visual and/or voice prompts to allow even untrained bystanders to use the device correctly and include a safety feature that prevents unneeded shocks.

Training is not required to use an AED. However, even though these devices are very easy to use, trained rescuers will be better equipped to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, activate 9-1-1 effectively, and be familiar with how the AED operates, potential hazards, and special considerations. Having the training can greatly impact the Chain of Survival.

Learning CPR and how to use an AED is easy and inexpensive. Search for an accredited CPR agency in your area or visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

1. Assess

• • Ask, “are you okay?”
  • Tap the shoulder
  • Look for breathing (abnormal breathing may require CPR)

2. Call

• • Send someone to call 9-1-1
  • Send someone to get an AED

3. Compress

• • Place both hands on the center of the chest
  • Lean over patient with elbows straight
  • Push down the center of person’s chest
  • Push hard and push fast
  • Keep going until an AED or Paramedics arrive

4. AED

• • Expose the person’s chest
  • Turn on device
  • Follow the AED prompts

If an AED has been used, please contact York Region Paramedic Services as soon as possible to facilitate data collection for the patient.

To notify Paramedic Services that an AED has been used, contact @email