TL;DR: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) affects over 356,000 Americans annually, emphasizing the need for CPR and AED training. Combining CPR and AED significantly increases survival rates by addressing both circulatory and electrical issues. Learn CPR and AED together to respond effectively in emergencies. While CPR alone suffices in certain situations like drowning or choking, CPR+AED is crucial in most cardiac arrest cases. Enroll in a CPR and AED training course to gain practical skills and confidence in emergency response, potentially saving lives in Pittsburgh, PA.
Across the United States, over 356,000 suffer from sudden cardiac arrest annually. This condition can strike any person, regardless of age or fitness level. Pennsylvania had 10,068 reported instances of SCA in 2021 alone, 63% of which were males. This statistic shows the unpredictability and impartiality of cardiac emergencies. It also demonstrates the need for everyday people to know the basics of CPR and AED, a dynamic duo for rescuing hearts and saving lives.
Quick response with CPR can maintain circulation and keep oxygen flowing until professional medical help arrives. However, when combined with an automated external defibrillator, the victim has an even greater chance of surviving. AEDs can shock the heart to help it re-establish a normal rhythm.
Together, CPR and AED create a formidable team, offering some much-needed hope during the critical moments following a cardiac arrest. Let’s learn more about how these two techniques can join forces to save lives.
Why Use CPR and AED Together
On its own, CPR can double a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival, especially if you do it immediately. However, the heart may still be beating abnormally, preventing it from pumping blood effectively.
That is where AEDs can turn the tide for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. AEDs can analyze the heart’s rhythm and give it an electric shock to help it re-establish a normal rhythm.
While CPR helps by circulating oxygenated blood through the body and maintaining vital functions, it doesn’t correct irregular heart rhythms. Only a defibrillator can do that, making the use of AEDs a critical next step in the chain of survival. When you use CPR and AEDs together, you’re attacking the problem of sudden cardiac arrest on two fronts.
The Logic Behind Using Both Methods
Scientific studies support the effectiveness of using both methods. For instance, the chain of survival concept emphasizes the importance of immediate recognition and response to cardiac emergencies, early CPR, rapid defibrillation, and post-cardiac arrest care. By following this approach, which includes both CPR and the use of an AED, survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests have shown significant improvement.
When combined, CPR and AEDs address the circulatory and electrical issues accompanying many cardiac emergencies. This dual approach amplifies the impact of each intervention, illustrating why the combination is necessary to give the victim the highest chance of a successful outcome. In some cases, using an AED increases the survival rate to 53%, as shown by studies on the topic.Â
When To Use CPR And AEDs in Tandem
Typically, these lifesaving techniques go hand in hand during cases of cardiac arrest in adults. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating without warning. That pauses the blood flow to the organs, including the brain. The signs that scream for the need for both CPR and AED include:
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- Sudden loss of responsiveness, where the person does not react to tapping on the shoulders or does not respond to queries
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- The absence of normal breathing, meaning the victim isn’t breathing or is only gasping.
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- There is no discernable pulse, meaning the victim’s heart isn’t beating or is very slow.
You must start CPR immediately after calling emergency services, and if an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. The AED will guide you through the process with verbal instructions, making it accessible even for those who aren’t medical professionals. Acting quickly by performing CPR and using an AED can save a life, and understanding these signs will prepare you to respond effectively in these critical moments.
When Is It Better to Do CPR Only
While combining CPR with AED use can significantly improve survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, there are specific situations where you should stick to performing CPR alone. Sometimes, an AED isn’t needed, or it may be unsafe to use, like in cases of:
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- Drowning: Water conducts electricity, and applying an AED to a wet chest can pose a risk to the victim and the rescuer. If you find that using an AED is necessary, you must completely dry the victim’s chest. Otherwise, the electrodes won’t adhere to the skin and will be ineffective.
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- Choking: When the airway is blocked, an AED won’t help because the problem isn’t related to the heart’s rhythm. In these cases, CPR can help by dislodging the blockage and restoring the flow of oxygen to the lungs and, subsequently, the heart.
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- Drug overdose: In these cases, the primary issue isn’t heart rhythm. Instead, you should support the person’s breathing and circulation through CPR until professional help arrives. The heart may still be beating, but the body’s overall oxygen levels can be critically low due to the effects of the overdose.
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- Electrocution: While the heart’s rhythm might be affected, the immediate use of an AED can be hazardous due to the potential for residual electricity in the body. You must take safety precautions and assess the scene for ongoing electrical risks before attempting any form of help. If the scene is safe and there’s no risk of conducting electricity, perform CPR until emergency services take over.
How To Learn To Do CPR and Use An AED
If you want to learn the skills of doing CPR and using an AED, the most effective approach is to sign up for a CPR training course in your area. These classes can equip you with these life-saving techniques through theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. Participants will get a rounded learning experience covering the basics:
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- Checking responsiveness and breathing
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- Finding a pulse
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- Performing chest compressions
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- Doing rescue breath
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- Using an AED correctly
But it’s not just about watching videos or listening to instructions. The real value comes from hands-on practice under the guidance of certified instructors. This practical aspect allows you to apply your skills in a controlled, supervised environment.
By practicing on manikins, you get familiar with the force needed for effective chest compressions and the proper placement of AED pads. The goal is to make these actions almost second nature so you can act swiftly and confidently during an emergency. When choosing a course, check if it aligns with the AHA or American Red Cross standards. That guarantees you’re receiving quality, up-to-date training.
The Benefits of CPR and AED Training
Knowing CPR and how to operate an AED equips individuals with the tools to make a real difference in emergencies. A significant advantage is the confidence boost it gives people facing a crisis. Instead of standing back, feeling helpless, or waiting for medical professionals to arrive, they can step in immediately.
The skills learned through CPR and AED training have the potential to save lives. The quicker you start performing CPR after a person suffers from sudden cardiac arrest, the better their chances of survival. When the residents of a community have these skills, the overall safety and resilience of the area improve. Emergencies can happen anywhere, and having more people capable of responding can significantly reduce the time it takes for a victim to receive potentially life-saving assistance.
Learn How to Combine CPR With AEDs To Save Lives in Pittsburgh, PA
CPR and AED are essential during emergency responses, especially in cases of sudden cardiac arrests. Using them together can significantly increase someone’s chances of survival after their heart stops beating. The synergy between the manual support of the heart’s function through CPR and the technological aid of an AED in restoring a normal heart rhythm is undeniable.Don’t be a bystander in emergencies. Enroll in CPR and AED classes in Pittsburgh today. Learn how to recognize the signs of medical distress and use CPR and an AED to help save lives.