Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on AED Defibrillators Machines

AED stands for automated external defibrillator.

An AED is a device used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. Built-in computers assess the patient's heart rhythm, judge whether defibrillation is needed, and then administer or advise to deliver the shock. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user through the process.

In the event of a cardiac emergency, no one wonders about the difference between an AED and a defibrillator. Both devices are used with a person is experiencing a serious heart problem called ventricular fibrillation, or when the heart stops beating, and the lower chambers begin to quiver. Both an AED and a defibrillator administer a targeted electrical shock to the heart, allowing it to resume a normal heart beat. However, there are subtle differences between the two machines that come down to how they are used in emergency situations.

The only effective treatment for VF is an electrical shock called defibrillation. Defibrillation is an electrical current applied to the chest, and to be successful, should be administered within 3 to 5 minutes after collapse. The electrical current passes through the heart with the goal of stopping the VF and giving an opportunity for the heart's normal electrical system to take control and pump blood again. After 10 minutes without defibrillation, very few resuscitation attempts are successful.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) simply means that the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to an abrupt loss of electrical impulse. This condition results in hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in the U.A.E

Remember this rule: only put the unit on someone you would do CPR on... someone who is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse.

SCA is difficult to predict and most victims have no prior symptoms. Anyone who has suffered SCA, a heart attack, or knows they have an arrhythmia may be at greater risk. While the average age of sudden cardiac arrest victims is around 65, sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and at any time.

No. A heart attack is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, resulting in the death of the heart muscle. Heart attack victims usually (but not always) experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes will lead to sudden cardiac arrest. However, sudden cardiac arrest may occur independently from a heart attack and without warning signs. SCA results in death if not treated immediately.

Absolutely. Never withhold AED use from a person in cardiac arrest. If the person in question meets all the criteria of cardiac arrest (unresponsive, not breathing, no pulse) they are essentially "dead." Using the AED can only help and not make matters worse.

No. The pads remain on throughout the resuscitation and until the patient is transferred to advanced care providers such as paramedics. If the pads are in their correct locations on the patient's chest, they will not interfere with proper hand placement or compressions.

The chest should be exposed to allow placement of the disposable defibrillation electrodes. A woman's bra should be removed. Clothes may need to be cut off to facilitate early defibrillation.

AEDs are extremely safe when used properly. The electric shock is programmed to go from one pad to/another through the victim's chest. Basic precautions, such as verbally warning others to stand clear and visually checking the area before and during the shock, can ensure the safety of rescuers.

Give rescue breaths at a rate of 1 every 5 seconds, or 12 per minute.

The AED makes shock delivery decisions based upon the patient's heart rhythm, and will not allow a shock to be delivered if not needed. Simply put, the machine will not let you shock a non-shockable rhythm.

Electrodes must come in direct contact with the skin. If the chest hair is excessive as to prevent good adhesion of the electrode, the hair must be removed quickly.

Yes, as long as the usual safety precautions are observed. Be sure the victim's chest is wiped dry. Keep the defibrillator electrodes away from a damp or conductive surface. Clear the victim and defibrillate.

The steps for shocking a patient in cardiac arrest are simple and straightforward. Just follow the visual and audio prompts provided by the AED. The most difficult part is actually recognizing the need for defibrillation.

A cardiac arrest is a high stress situation. col-md-6 the most experienced health care providers do not always do everything perfectly. In a cardiac arrest, performing CPR, col-md-6 imperfectly, and using a defibrillator can only help the patient.

Look for the visual text prompts on the AED screen. Some AEDs are now available with full color LCD screens.

Follow your protocols regarding/the lower age or size limits for children set by the manufacturer and labeled on the AED. Pediatric pads or a pediatric key to lower the energy output are available for children and infants, however, these pediatric pads or key are usually purchased as a separate accessory to the AED.

CPR provides some circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the victim's heart and brain. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of the heart muscle. CPR buys some time until the AED arrives. Studies also show that CPR makes the heart more likely to respond to defibrillation.

Conduct CPR only until the AED arrives. Apply the electrodes to the patient's bare chest and follow the voice prompts and messages of the AED. It will tell you when to resume CPR. CPR is a holding action until the heart is defibrillated.

AED Machine can cost anywhere between 3,000 to 10,000 AED in UAE. ShopAED also offers refurbished AED machines that are fully tested, comes with a brand new replacement battery and pads, and 8 years of warranty.

Cost can be a major factor in the purchase of an AED, and a Refurbished AED may seem like a smart, cost-effective alternative to buying new.

ShopAED offers refurbished AED Defibrillator Machines with brand new replacement battery, pads and 8 years of warranty. All AED Machines come with a Calibration Certificate.

You can buy AED Defibrillator Machine and Accessories from ShopAED online store using any major credit card at checkout OR choose cash on delivery option.

ShopAED offers FREE shipping in United Arab Emirates (UAE). We also ship internationally to countries within the region including Saudi Arabia and Oman. Contact us at inquiry@shopaed.ae for more details.

You can buy AED Defibrillator Machine and Accessories from ShopAED online store using any major credit card at checkout OR choose cash on delivery option.

ShopAED offers international courier shipping to Saudi Arabia (KSA) Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca and Madina. Our international shipping covers all Custom Charges i.e., duty and taxes to your doorstep. Contact us at inquiry@shopaed.ae for more details.

You can buy AED Defibrillator Machine and Accessories from ShopAED online store using any major credit card at checkout OR choose cash on delivery option.

ShopAED offers international courier shipping to Oman Muscat, Seeb and Salalah. Our international shipping covers all Custom Charges i.e., duty and taxes to your doorstep. Contact us at inquiry@shopaed.ae for more details.

AED Defibrillator Machines come already equipped with a battery and at least one set of adult electrode pads, however as all pads are single use only, we always advise you buy a second pair to keep with your rescue kit! When comparing AEDs, be sure you’re looking at everything each unit comes with to assess its real value; some come supplied with an additional set of adult electrode pads, a carry case or an extra battery, reducing your overall cost to your investment!