You’ve seen it on TV, and now you want to learn how to use one. Defibrillators are an important medical device and are surprisingly easy to use. They have to be, as they are so useful. In fact, there are defibrillators all over the place out in public in case of emergencies. Here’s what you need to know about using defibrillators and being trained.
What is a Defibrillator?
Technically known as an automated external defibrillator, or AED, these devices are placed on a person’s chest, where they monitor heart rates. If the rate is irregular or slow and requires a shock, the defibrillator will automatically know and advise its user on the next course of action.
This means that with very little training a person can effectively use an AED, as the machine will actually talk to the rescuer want to do and how to respond.
More Than Just Technology
However, even though an AED is easy to use and will often tell you what to do, you still need to be trained. The operator must be able to recognize cardiac arrest and know basic CPR, among other things. Even if you feel confident in how to use an AED, it is important to receive training and repeat it every few years (if you are not using an AED regularly) so that you feel comfortable under pressure. Any defibrillator situations will require you to make important snap judgments that will affect someone’s life. You need to know how to work the model you are using in your sleep, and you need to know which situations are potentially harmful or even deadly.
Getting Certified
Learning how to use a defibrillator is easy. Simply look up a course online; often these are offered through the Red Cross or other similar organizations. These courses are often only a few hours and will work around your schedule to get you certified. This certification will usually last for a year or two, and so in order to stay certified you will need to take another course after a few years.
