What to Do After Using a Defibrillator: Essential Next Steps

Caitlin-Renèe Holmes

Published:30 October 2024

When an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used, it often marks a pivotal moment in a life-threatening situation. After those crucial seconds of delivering a shock, the immediate question becomes: What now? Knowing the right steps to take after using a defibrillator is just as critical as using the device itself. This guide will walk you through the essential next steps, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient and compliance with all necessary protocols.

Step 1: Continue Monitoring the Patient

After the defibrillator delivers its shock, the first priority is to monitor the patient. While the AED helps restore the heart’s rhythm, it doesn’t always mean the patient will regain consciousness immediately. Continue monitoring their breathing and pulse. Here’s what to do:

Check for vital signs: Look for signs of life – breathing, a pulse, or movement. Even if these signs are present, stay alert and prepared to respond.
Follow the AED’s instructions: Most modern AEDs provide verbal prompts, guiding you on whether another shock is necessary or if CPR should be continued.
Prepare for potential CPR: If the patient does not regain consciousness or there is no pulse, begin or continue CPR as guided by the AED until emergency services arrive.

Step 2: Transfer Care to Emergency Responders

Once emergency medical services (EMS) arrive, it’s critical to transfer care smoothly and effectively. The EMS team will take over and use advanced medical equipment, but your role doesn’t end here.

Provide the incident details: Explain how long the patient was unconscious, how many shocks were delivered, and what actions you took before EMS arrived.
Follow any instructions from the EMS team: They may ask you to continue assisting or provide additional information about the patient’s condition.

Step 3: Incident Reporting and Documentation

After the patient is in professional care, the next step involves documenting the incident. Whether in a workplace, public space, or any environment where an AED is used, it’s essential to have a clear report of the event.

Record the time and details: Note the time of the incident, how long the AED was in use, and any other relevant details. This will be vital for medical professionals and potentially legal purposes.
Log the AED usage: Depending on the workplace or public environment, AEDs typically have built-in memory that records the number of shocks delivered and the patient’s heart rhythm at each stage. This information can be downloaded and shared with healthcare providers.
Report to the necessary authorities: In a workplace or public facility, it may be required to file a formal incident report. Check with your HR department or facility manager for the correct protocol.

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Step 4: Inspect and Recalibrate the AED

Once the AED has been used, it needs to be inspected and in many cases, recalibrated or serviced to ensure it’s ready for the next emergency. AEDs are crucial in saving lives, so keeping them in peak condition is non-negotiable.

Replace pads and batteries: AED pads are single-use and must be replaced immediately. Some models also require a battery check or replacement after use.
Run a diagnostic test: Most AEDs have self-diagnostic features. Run the test to ensure the device is fully functional after use.
Schedule maintenance if needed: If the AED indicates any issues during the diagnostic test, schedule immediate maintenance to ensure it’s operational for future emergencies.

Step 5: Follow up with Emotional Support

Witnessing or being part of a life-threatening medical emergency can be emotionally taxing for everyone involved. It’s essential to address the emotional well-being of responders and those who witnessed the event.

Offer emotional support to bystanders: Whether co-workers or bystanders, those who witnessed the incident may experience shock or trauma. Ensure they have access to counselling services if necessary.
Debrief with the team: In workplace environments, hold a debrief session to discuss the incident, what went well, and what could be improved for future emergencies.
Consider formal counselling: If the event was particularly traumatic, offering formal counselling services to those involved may be beneficial. Some workplaces provide access to professional counselling as part of their wellness programs.

Step 6: Ensure Legal Compliance

Using an AED comes with legal responsibilities, especially in workplace environments. It’s essential to ensure you comply with local regulations and Good Samaritan laws, which protect individuals using AEDs in emergencies.

Understand Good Samaritan laws: These laws generally protect bystanders from legal liability when providing emergency assistance as long as they act reasonably and follow the AED’s instructions.
Document compliance: Ensure that you have fulfilled all legal requirements following the use of the AED, including proper reporting and documentation.
Review company protocols: If this occurred in a workplace setting, it’s a good time to review the company’s safety protocols and ensure everyone understands how to respond in the future.

Conclusion: Always Be Prepared

Using a defibrillator is only the beginning of handling a medical emergency. Knowing what to do afterwards – monitoring the patient, coordinating with EMS, reporting the incident, and ensuring the AED is ready for future use – are vital steps in ensuring a successful outcome. When every second counts, preparedness is key.

By following these steps and maintaining a high level of readiness, you ensure that your workplace, public space, or home environment is equipped to handle cardiac emergencies efficiently and effectively.