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- Published:11 January 2025
When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes, it is swift, silent, and often fatal. Affecting over 350,000 people annually in out-of-hospital settings worldwide, the condition can lead to death within minutes if immediate action isn’t taken. For adults, whose risk factors for cardiac emergencies are significantly higher due to age, lifestyle, and existing conditions, knowing how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) effectively is not just critical; it’s lifesaving.
This guide provides an in-depth look at CPR and AED usage for adults, offering techniques, best practices, and advanced insights to empower communities, workplaces, and families.
Understanding Cardiac Arrest in Adults
Cardiac arrest is a sudden cessation of heart function caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart. Unlike a heart attack, which results from a blockage in blood flow, cardiac arrest disrupts the heart’s rhythm entirely. In adults, common causes include:
- Coronary artery disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Ventricular fibrillation (chaotic heart rhythm).
- Drug overdose or severe trauma.
Without oxygenated blood reaching the brain and vital organs, permanent damage occurs within 4-6 minutes. This is where CPR and AEDs work together as the ultimate lifesaving duo.
The Science of CPR: Keeping Blood Flowing
CPR serves as a manual pump when the heart fails to circulate blood. For adults, the correct technique involves:
1. Initial Steps: Assess and Call for Help
- Check for responsiveness by tapping the person’s shoulder and shouting, “Are you okay?”
- If there’s no response, immediately call emergency services and request an AED.
- Begin CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
2. Performing High-Quality Chest Compressions
- Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest (between the nipples), and place your other hand on top, interlacing fingers.
- Push hard and fast, compressing the chest about 5-6 cm deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Songs like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees match this rhythm perfectly.
3. Ventilation: To Breathe or Not to Breathe?
- If trained, give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Ensure the airway is open by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
- Hands-only CPR is an effective alternative if you’re not confident about rescue breaths.
The Role of AEDs: Restarting the Heart
An AED is a portable device designed to assess the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if needed. Cardiac arrest often stems from an arrhythmia like ventricular fibrillation, which disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood. An AED helps by delivering an electric shock to restore normal rhythm.
1. How to Use an AED on Adults
- Turn it On: Follow voice prompts for guidance. AEDs, including semi-automatic models and fully automatic models, are user-friendly.
- Attach the Pads: Place one pad on the upper right chest, just below the collarbone, and the other on the lower left side.
- Let the AED Analyse: Ensure no one is touching the patient as the AED analyses their heart rhythm.
- Deliver a Shock: If instructed, press the shock button (semi-automatic models), or let the AED deliver the shock automatically (fully automatic models).
2. Post-Shock Action
- Resume CPR immediately after the shock. AEDs will guide you to continue compressions until another shock is advised or emergency responders arrive.
- 11 January 2025
Best Practices for Using CPR and AEDs Indoors
Indoor settings like offices, gyms, or homes are common locations for adult cardiac arrests.
Key tips for preparedness include:
- Placing AEDs in visible, accessible locations like breakrooms or lobbies.
- Ensuring regular maintenance of AEDs, such as the Philips HeartStart HS1 AED.
- Training employees and family members in CPR and AED usage.
For more on indoor AED options, explore our dedicated page.
Community AEDs: Extending Lifesaving Reach
Public spaces like malls, stadiums, and parks often house AEDs as part of public access defibrillation programmes. These devices are strategically placed to serve large groups and increase survival rates in emergencies.
Why AEDs in Communities Matter
- Rapid Response: Most cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals, and having community AEDs available bridges the gap between the event and professional help.
- Training Programmes: Community-wide CPR training creates a culture of readiness.
Explore AEDs designed for public access, like the iPAD SPR AED Carry Case for easy transport.
Unique Considerations for Adults
1. Special Scenarios
- Water Exposure: If the person is wet, dry them thoroughly before attaching AED pads.
- Pacemakers or Implants: Place pads at least an inch away from implanted devices.
2. Chest Hair
Excessive chest hair can interfere with pad adherence. Use the razor provided in AED kits, like those included with the iPAD SPR Electrode Pads.
Advanced Tips for Lifesaving CPR and AED Use
1. Minimise Interruptions
Keep interruptions during compressions to under 10 seconds. Each pause reduces oxygen delivery to vital organs.
2. Leverage AED Maintenance Features
- Use models like the iPAD CU-SPR Battery, which performs self-tests to ensure readiness.
- Replace pads and batteries as per manufacturer guidelines to prevent failures.
3. The “Chain of Survival” Framework
The American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival highlights critical steps for cardiac emergencies:
- Early recognition and calling for help.
- Immediate CPR.
- Early defibrillation.
- Effective advanced care.
Each link in this chain depends on accessible AEDs and confident responders.
The Synergy Between CPR and AEDs
The combined use of CPR and AEDs increases survival rates exponentially. Here’s why:
- CPR maintains blood flow, preventing brain damage while awaiting defibrillation.
- AEDs correct heart rhythms, enabling effective pumping once restored.
- Together, they optimise the chance of survival and recovery.
Lifesaving Tools for Every Setting
Whether at home, at work, or in the community, being prepared for a cardiac emergency starts with the right tools and training. AEDs, like those designed for indoor environments, or public access defibrillators for community settings, empower individuals to act confidently.
Empowering You to Save Lives
Cardiac emergencies demand immediate, informed action. By mastering CPR techniques and familiarising yourself with AEDs, you’re not just prepared; you’re empowered. Together, these lifesaving interventions represent hope for families, workplaces, and communities alike.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools today. Explore our range of semi-automatic and fully automatic AEDs, and take the first step toward creating a safer tomorrow.