CPR Chapter 3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is an AED?

An automatic external defibrillator (correct)

A type of heart medication

A pacemaker

A surgical device

What is the purpose of a shock from an AED?

To stop the abnormal rhythm and allow the heart's normal rhythm to return.

Match the following public access defibrillation locations:

Airports = Public access defibrillation example Sport facilities = Public access defibrillation example Shopping malls = Public access defibrillation example Healthcare facilities = Public access defibrillation example

How are communities and businesses encouraged to participate in local PAD programs?

By notifying or registering their AED with local EMS, establishing medical authority, and training rescuers in CPR and AED use. Signup and view all the answers

Some examples of how to properly maintain an AED include battery replacement and _____.

calibration and testing of energy doses. Signup and view all the answers

When the AED first arrives, why is it ideal to place it at the victim's side?

It provides ready access to AED controls and easy placement of AED pads. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of minimizing the time between the last compression and shock delivery?

To increase the chances of the shock being effective. Signup and view all the answers

What is an arrhythmia?

An irregular or abnormal heartbeat. Signup and view all the answers

When do arrhythmias occur?

When electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat happen too quickly, too slowly, or erratically. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of life-threatening arrhythmias that cause cardiac arrest?

Pulseless ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Signup and view all the answers

What is pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)?

A rapid heart rate where ventricles contract at an extremely fast pace, often resulting in no detectable pulse. Signup and view all the answers

What is ventricular fibrillation (VF)?

An arrest rhythm where the heart's electrical activity becomes disordered. Signup and view all the answers

What does the AED do when pVT or VF is detected?

It prompts the delivery of an electrical shock to the heart. Signup and view all the answers

What do the following abbreviations stand for?

ROSC = Return Of Spontaneous Circulation pVT = Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia VF = Ventricular Fibrillation AED = Automatic External Defibrillator Signup and view all the answers

What are the universal steps for operating an AED?

1.) Open the carrying case. 2.) Power on the AED if needed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

AED Overview

An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is portable, lightweight, and computerized.
It detects abnormal heart rhythms, primarily ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which require an electrical shock.

AED Functionality

AEDs deliver electrical shocks to restore normal heart rhythm when an abnormal rhythm is detected.

Public Access Defibrillation (PAD)

PAD aims to have trained personnel and AEDs readily available in public areas where cardiac arrests are likely.
Common locations for PAD include airports, sport facilities, offices, and healthcare facilities.

Community Involvement in PAD

Communities are encouraged to register AEDs with local EMS agencies and ensure medical oversight for quality control.
All expected rescuers should receive training in CPR and AED use.

AED Maintenance

Regular maintenance includes battery replacement and calibration/testing of energy doses.
Supplies like AED pads, including pediatric pads, and emergency equipment need timely replacement.

AED Placement

Positioning the AED next to the rescuer operating it facilitates quick access to controls and pad placement.
This setup allows another rescuer to perform CPR effectively without obstructing AED use.

Timing of Shock Delivery

Minimizing the gap between last chest compression and shock delivery significantly increases the chance of restoring a normal heart rhythm.

Understanding Arrhythmias

An arrhythmia is defined as an irregular or abnormal heartbeat resulting from improper electrical impulse timing.
Arrhythmias can be too fast, too slow, or erratic.

Life-Threatening Arrhythmias

The two critical arrhythmias leading to cardiac arrest are pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (pVT)

pVT occurs when the heart's ventricles contract excessively fast, leading to a lack of detectable pulse and oxygen supply to vital organs.

Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)

VF is characterized by disordered electrical activity, causing the heart muscle to quiver without effective blood pumping.

AED Response to pVT and VF

Upon detecting pVT or VF, the AED prompts for an electrical shock, which temporarily stuns the heart muscle.
This shock can stop the arrhythmia and reset the heart's electrical activity, allowing normal rhythm to resume.
If circulation returns, it's referred to as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Important Abbreviations

ROSC: Return Of Spontaneous Circulation
pVT: Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia
VF: Ventricular Fibrillation
AED: Automatic External Defibrillator

Operating an AED

Universal steps for AED operation include opening the carrying case and powering on the device as needed.

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Description

Test your knowledge of CPR concepts through these flashcards from Chapter 3. Learn about important life-saving devices like the AED and their functions in emergencies. Perfect for anyone studying CPR or first aid.