AEDS - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS

 

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available at a number of locations on the Mary Immaculate College campus. The AED will make early defibrillation available to staff, students, visitors, contractors etc who experience sudden cardiac arrest. The AED is very user friendly and can only be used by trained personnel only.

 

A list of the AED Response Team and their contact details are available at the following link: List of Defibrillator Operators. They are also available at each of the defibrillator locations and on the health & safety notice board.

 

A List of Defibrillator Locations are available at the following link:

List of Defibrillator Locations

 

What is an AED

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Defibrillators - also known as “Automatic External Defibrillator” (AED) - are used to administer an electric shock to a person who is having a cardiac arrest.

 

A practical demonstration of the Powerheart G3 AED showing the operation of the defibrillator can be viewed at the following link:

 

http://www.powerheart.com/flash/aedSemi.html

 

How Does it Work

Two pads connected to the defibrillator are placed on the patient’s chest. The defibrillator analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and determines if a shock is required to save the victim. The AED must only be applied to victims who are unconscious, without a pulse, and not breathing. The AED will analyse the heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable rhythm is detected.

 

Training

Currently there are 40 members of Mary Immaculate College staff who have successfully completed the defibrillator training programme. CPR/AED training courses are provided at regular intervals to staff who express an interest in becoming a member of the “AED Response Team” by a certified training instructor. Refresher training shall be provided to all members of the team on a regular basis.