Courses, Training, Certification and Recertification in Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED
Header

AED Myths Debunked

May 3rd, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in AED - (0 Comments)

Many participants have fears and concerns with using automated external defibrillators that are not warranted. This page includes the biggest myths about the use of AED’s during first aid and CPR rescues.

AED Myth # 1

You must shave the victims chest before applying a AED. This is one of the most popular myths especially since many instructors claim that first aid kits carry single blade razors which are designed to shave the patients chest prior to applying a AED. However, has anyone ever wondered how long it would take to shave the chest of a hairy adult male victim with a single blade razor? By the time the rescuer shaves the patients chest the victim has likely stopped having any shock-able rhythms, has died or the paramedics have arrived. The AED pads included with modern defibrillators have strong adhesives and will work effectively when placed onto a hairy chest. For more information about not needing to shave the patients chest check out this video.

AED Myth # 2

The AED will shock you if you are in the same puddle of water as the victim during the shock phase. General Electric conducted a study on the amount of shock a rescuer would receive if they were in the same body of water as the victim during the shock phase. The results showed that the victim would receive little to no electricity from the shock (below 1 volt). The electricity wants to travel on the easiest path and that path is from one AED to pad to the other. Rescuers should not be overly concerned about being in the same puddle of the victim when using a AED.

AED Myth # 3

I am worried I will shock a patient and cause more harm than good. What if they don’t need the shock? I don’t want to be responsible for hurting anyone. A rescuer should not be concerned in any way about shocking a patient that does not need it. The AED is designed to analyze the rhythms of the heart and shock only the rhythms in which defibrillation would help. Otherwise the AED does not shock and will not let the rescuer shock the victim. The AED will prompt the rescuer to either check for vitals (the AED might have detected vitals) or continue CPR.

Effective use of a AED with CPR is taught in the majority of first aid and CPR courses. Candidates will learn to effectively use AED pads and shock adult and child victims. Infant AED pads are not currently included in the Canadian CPR program.

 

What is AED Training

May 3rd, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in AED | CPR Questions - (0 Comments)

AED stands for automated external defibrillator and it is a essential component of rescue training. An AED is designed to dramatically increase the chances of survival for victims of cardiac arrest. They are incredibly simple and straightforward to use. AED’s can be found in many recreational centers, stores, and gathering places. As they continue to spread it is essential that as many people as possible learn how to use them. All first aid and CPR training classes (view class list here) offered at Vancouver First Aid include training in the use of AED’s.

Physical Description

An AED is typically a square 20 inch by 20 inch by 4 inch electronic unit with two buttons on it. One button is designed to turn the unit on and the other button is designed to shock the patient (it will not shock anything without analyzing a victim first). Two pairs of pads with electric cords are stored behind, underneath or within the unit. The electric cord is designed to be plugged into the AED while the adult or child pads are placed on the patient. A third pair of pads, for pediatric patients, might be found in more advanced units.

Electronic

An automated external defibrillator is designed to be used on a unconscious patient. The computer components of the AED monitor and check for vitals and shock the patient if the right conditions are present. When a patient enters cardiac arrest the heart enters into a irregular pattern that only a electric shock through a defibrillator can rectify. Chest compression’s combined with the use of a AED increase the chances of survival for victims in cardiac arrest exponentially. Early defibrillation is essential to preventing the loss of life through cardiac arrest. Rescuers only have minutes to implement a AED if the patient is in cardiac arrest before the condition becomes permanently fatal.

Easy Use

Using a AED is extremely easy and straightforward. If the patient does not have any vitals then the defibrillator should be used immediately for adult victims. Remove the AED from the packaging, turn it on and follow the audio and visual instructions. The AED has a number of components that prevent the rescuer from shocking a victim that would not benefit from it.

The rescuer should have no second thoughts or fears of using a AED on a unconscious patient.

All first aid and CPR courses offered through major providers such as the Red Cross include education and effective use in AED’s. Regardless of what first aid or CPR course a student enrolls in he or she will learn how and when to use a AED. All credible providers allow participants to practice the use of AED’s using AED trainers. Participants will be able to use AED trainers on manikins to receive hands-on practice of the use of an AED.

First Aid and CPR Training in the Vancouver Lower Mainland

All Red Cross certification awards state that candidates have received training and are competent in the use of automated external defibrillators.

The attached picture shows a manikin and AED trainer that participants will practice with to learn the skills of using a AED while doing CPR.

 

 

AED Guidelines for CPR. 2011 Guidelines.

September 9th, 2011 | Posted by vanfirstaid in AED | CPR - (Comments Off)

The material posted in this blog on AED guidelines for CPR is for information purposes only. To learn to recognize and treat victims requiring a AED take a first aid and / or CPR class with Vancouver First Aid Ltd. Locations have expanded to include first aid training in Surrey and UBC.

To give any victim the best chance of survival the rescuer must implement the use of an AED. An AED is an automated external defibrillator created to flat-line irregular heart beats, such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, in hopes of normalizing heart rhythms. The use of an AED can increase survival rates of victims from a low 1 to 2% with rescuers doing just CPR, to 8% with rescuers doing CPR and applying a AED. Because of the improved chances of recovery the Red Cross, Lifesaving Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. John’s Ambulance and all other major providers have put AED training into all of there first aid and CPR curriculum.

The first step in using an AED is recognize the situation. Rescuers must assess the situation and send a bystander to contact EMS and locate a AED and additional help to use it. If the rescuer is alone he or she must call 911 and retrieve the AED (if nearby) before starting CPR on the victim. If the victim is either a child or an infant, the rescuer will perform 5 cycles of CPR (2 minutes) prior to calling EMS and obtaining an AED (if nearby). This is due to the fact that most children and infants suffer from respiratory arrest rather than cardiac arrest so the 2 minutes of CPR can be very successful.

The use of an AED on infants is only a knowledge component in first aid and CPR courses because the likelihood of a lay rescuer obtaining a AED with infant defibrillator pads is very low.

There are approximately two dozen types of AED’s available. It is important for rescuers to understand the basic principles of AED use. AED’s typically have two buttons: a shock button and a on/power button. After pushing the on / power button the AED will give instructions on how to operate it.

Tips on AED use:

  • AED pads must be placed on bare skin. The pads can not be placed over top medical patches (nitrod, nicotine, birth control, etc.) or pacemakers. Place the pad below the pacemaker.
  • Adult pads can be used on adults and children. Child pads can not be used on an adult as they do not carry a sufficient shock. The adult pads must be placed on the child no closer than one inch apart. They can also be placed on the front of the chest and on the back (the same way child pads are placed).
  • The AED pads are one time use. Be careful when using gloves (it is mandatory to use gloves) as the pads will adhere to the gloves.  Rescuers should also be careful in the placement of the pads as they can not be removed and used again.  Apply the pads as one would typically apply a band-aid (without touching the adhesive).
  • Unless the victim shows signs of life, the rescuer(s) must always be prepared to continue to do CPR after the analyze and “shock” or “no shock” prompts.
  • Most course guidelines promote rescuers to shave the chest of a hairy victim. However, significant evidence also suggests that the pads will still adhere and shock when placed on a hairy chest. Furthermore, the time required to shave a hairy chest with a single blade razor (typically only single blade razors are placed with AED’s and first aid kits) can take a substantial amount of time. Do your own research and make your decision on whether to follow the guideline to shave the victim’s chest. However, Red Cross and Lifesaving Society guidelines recommend that the rescuer shave the victims chest, if it is hairy, prior to pad placement.
  • Prior to applying the pads, the chest must be dry. The pads will not stick to a wet chest. Wipe off any water or sweat off of the victim prior to pad placement.
  • Victim should not have any part of the body in freestanding or still water. Victim must be in a dry area if possible. Research done by General Electric states that if the victim and rescuer are in the same “puddle” when the shock phase of the AED is occurring the rescuer will not feel any significant shock. Do your own research. However, the Red Cross and Lifesaving Society recommend that rescuers not have the victims in any form of water when using an AED.
  • Rescuers hands should be dry when applying an AED.
  • You can use an AED on victims that have been electrocuted or struck by lightning
  • If the victim is on a conductive metal surface clear all bystanders away from the area, wear non-conductive footwear and latex gloves, and stand when adminstering the shock (try not to move or hold a metal railing)
  • If adminstering oxygen remove from victims face when analyzing and adminstering shock.
  • Use the AED on a pregnant mother. You need to save the mother first before you can save the baby.
  • Continue AED protocols if you come a cross a AICD (autmoated implantable Cardio Defibrillators), however, place the pads approximately 1 inch away from the AICD or any pacemaker.

The material posted in this blog is for information purposes only. To learn how to use an AED and to learn CPR with 2011 AED guidelines take first aid training with Vancouver First Aid Ltd. First aid and CPR training in Surrey is now available.  To register for a first aid course select the class of your choice from the menu bar or from the side bar. You can also contact us via our “contact us” page, by email at info@vancouverfirstaid.ca or by phone at 778-709-9180. We offer convenient, comfortable and affordable first aid classes throughout the lower mainland. We also offer first aid and CPR recertifications.

Job and Employment Opportunities for First Aid and CPR instructors.

August 8th, 2011 | Posted by vanfirstaid in AED | CPR | First Aid - (Comments Off)

Vancouver First Aid Ltd is expanding to teach First aid and CPR classes in Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Downtown Vancouver, UBC and Burnaby. As we continue to expand we have job and employment opportunities for Red Cross and Lifesaving Society First Aid and CPR instructors. Instructors who work with Vancouver First Aid Ltd are paid some of the highest wages in the first aid industry in the Vancouver Lower Mainland. We offer flexible work hours to cater to those looking to work a few more hours a week or people who are looking for considerable hours. Starting pay is 20.00 / hour.

What we look for in first aid and CPR instructors:

  • Enthusiastic
  • Professional
  • Reliable
  • Confident
  • Motivated

If you belive you meet this criteria and want to teach First Aid and CPR for Vancouver First Aid Ltd. contact us using our “contact us” page, email us at info@vancouverfirstaid.ca or call at 778.709.9180.

AED training with the Red Cross vs AED training with the Lifesaving Society.

March 14th, 2011 | Posted by vanfirstaid in AED | CPR - (0 Comments)

Defibrillators dramitically increase the chances of survival for people who have heart complications. Both the Red Cross and the Lifesaving Society strongly promote the training of the use of AED’s. However, they both have different courses for candidates to take.

The Lifesaving Society involves an introduction to AED’s during any CPR training. However, on the candidate certificate it says nothing about receiving AED training. For example, if you take a CPR-C course your certificate will only say you are certified in CPR-C even though you have received some training in the use of AED’s. If you want an AED certificate, the Lifesaving Society offers two courses: AED provider and AED responder. Both courses teach candidates WHY AED’s are used and what they do. Check out an upcoming blog on the difference between AED responder and AED provider if you need more info.

The Red Cross does not have AED specific courses. However, for each CPR related course candidates receive training in the use of AED’s and the certificate will say you were trained in the use of AED’s. For instance, if you take an CPR-C class your certificate will say CPR-C and AED. The Red Cross, to keep things simple, does not promote the reasons how AED’s work but would rather you just put one it on. This is why the Red Cross does not have AED specific courses.

Hope this helps!

How Long is my First Aid, AED or CPR certification valid for?

March 13th, 2011 | Posted by vanfirstaid in AED | CPR | First Aid - (0 Comments)

Many people have asked about how long a certain certification lasts for. The two main providers, the Red Cross and the Lifesaving Society, have some different courses with different certificates. Standard First Aid and Emergency First Aid are valid for two years under the Lifesaving Society and three years under the Red Cross. CPR courses are valid for three years by the Red Cross and two years by the Lifesaving Society. However, annual recertification is recommended by both providers. The Lifesaving Society offers two AED courses, AED responder and AED provider, both of which are valid for two years.

Keep in mind that your workplace can set a standard for how long your certifications are current for. City of Vancouver lifeguards are required to re-certify their Standard First Aid (http://vancouverfirstaid.ca/recertification-courses/first-aid-recertifications/standard-first-aid-recertifications/) every two years, regardless of what it says on the card. Check with your employer to see if they have set a recertification standard for you to follow.

Hope this helps.

SN Google Plus