FAQ

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a medical device that saves lives in cases of sudden collapse. Using audible and visual signals, an AED guides the rescuer (medical professional, first aid trained, or layperson) through the procedures for resuscitation and safe defibrillation in cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The purpose of defibrillation is to suppress the chaotic electrical impulses that flow through the heart and allow it to return to normal, regular function.

An AED consists of an AED main unit and pads. Once the defibrillator is turned on, it guides the rescuer through the lifesaving process, even if a shock is not indicated. Voice and audio instructions provide step-by-step instructions on what to do.

Examples of voice commands issued by an AED:

• Make sure an ambulance has been called.
• Remove clothing from the patient to gain access to the skin.
• Remove the electrodes from the packaging.
• Remove the pads from the electrodes and place them exactly as shown in the picture.
• Check electrode adhesion.
• Do not touch the patient. Heart rhythm analysis.
• It is advisable to administer a shock. Do not touch the patient. Prepare the shock. Now press the red shock button. The shock has been administered. The patient can now be touched. Begin artificial respiration. Give 30 firm compressions and 2 artificial breaths.
• Shocking the victim is not recommended. Touching the patient is now permitted. Begin artificial respiration. Perform 30 firm compressions and 2 artificial respirations.

About 100,000 people in Poland suffer a heart attack each year. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) outside of hospital affects approximately 40,000 people in Poland each year. Of these, only 51 TP3T are saved. For every minute of delay in defibrillation, the chance of survival decreases by 7–101 TP3T. The average ambulance arrival time in the city is 8 minutes, and 15 minutes outside the city. The statistical time from cardiac arrest to the occurrence of irreversible brain damage is only 4 minutes. Only immediate resuscitation combined with defibrillation offers a chance of survival. That is why the availability of emergency medical services is so important. AED.

Chain of Survival:

• Call for help
• Perform early resuscitation
• Perform early defibrillation (AED)
• Specialist care

The task of the person operating the AED is only to follow the device's commands.

If we follow the AED's instructions, we can't harm anyone. Most importantly, don't touch the victim while the ECG is being analyzed and defibrillation is being delivered (which the AED will clearly indicate).

Yes. For this purpose (depending on the type of defibrillator) pediatric electrodes are used, which deliver a lower amount of energy, or a pediatric key (which reduces the amount of energy).
The defibrillator automatically recognizes pediatric electrodes.

No, to deliver a shock we must press the appropriate button on the defibrillator.
The device itself will not deliver a shock without our participation.

In any of the three situations listed below:
1. when the injured person regains breathing and circulation
2. upon arrival of the emergency medical services
3. when we lack strength

Some AED models have a training mode. When switched to this mode, the defibrillator does not deliver a shock, but guides the patient through all the steps of lifesaving.
There are also typical training defibrillators, through which we can set the rescue operation scenario using a remote control.

The ability to recognize the signs of SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) is crucial. A lifesaver should have basic knowledge of first aid, and knowing the structure and operation of an AED can help provide resuscitation more effectively. You never know when the knowledge gained during the course will come in handy. Now that more and more AEDs are available to the public (airports, train stations, hypermarkets, movie theaters, etc.), the need for their use by laypeople is becoming more pressing.

To place the heart in the center of the electrodes, an electrical impulse passing from one electrode to the other stimulates the heart.

fast
easy to use
have a good battery

Not every use of an AED saves the life of a person suffering from SCA. An AED is most effective when used within the first few minutes of SCA. For every minute of delay in defibrillation, the chance of survival decreases by 7-10%. After 4 minutes, irreversible brain damage occurs. Of course, in addition to operating the defibrillator, the rescuer must continue CPR to ensure oxygen flow to the victim's brain and heart muscle.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides oxygen to the injured person's brain and heart muscle, but it cannot restore a normal heart rhythm. CPR plays a significant role in the first seconds of rescue, but defibrillation should also be administered as soon as possible. Therefore, first aid training is beginning to include the use of an AED.

Cardiac compressions are actually the most important and should be performed without interruption (the exception is the time when the AED analyzes the heart function and delivers defibrillation).

Yes, use AED defibrillator It's safe. By following AED instructions, we can't harm anyone. The most important thing is not to touch the victim while the ECG is being analyzed and defibrillation is being delivered (which the AED clearly states). After analyzing the heartbeat, AEDs indicate whether a defibrillation is necessary or not. If the patient does not require a defibrillation, the defibrillator will not deliver a shock. An electrical impulse is only delivered if the ECG analysis indicates the need for a defibrillation, meaning the AED has detected cardiac arrest in ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

ANY WITNESS OF THE EVENT MAY USE AN AED. The State Emergency Medical Services Act does not specify the qualifications or education of a first aid provider. Pursuant to Article 3, Section 7 Acts first aid is a set of actions taken to save a person in a state of sudden health threat, performed by a person at the scene of the event, including the use of medical devices and medicinal products available for general circulation. Of course, medical devices must be approved for general circulation. Due to its simplicity of operation (the AED operator simply follows the device's instructions), the Automated External Defibrillator meets this criterion.

Before defibrillation, the chest of the person being resuscitated should be dried. AEDs are often equipped with disposable towels for this purpose.

Some AED manufacturers allow their products to be used for defibrillation on metal and wet surfaces.

Defibrillation should be administered within 4 minutes of SCA. The sooner the better.

If we see that the victim is not breathing or is taking agonal breaths, meaning two weak breaths every 10 seconds, we should use an AED without hesitation.

Yes, absolutely. Remember not to stick the electrode on the pacemaker, but next to it.

An AED should not be used if the victim is wet. Wipe the victim's chest before applying the pads. It is important not to touch the victim during defibrillation. Defibrillation should also not be performed on a metal surface. Although manufacturers of some models AED defibrillators allow for this possibility. Then you should make sure that your AED model offers this option.

The heart doesn't always return to a normal rhythm after the first defibrillation. Sometimes, multiple defibrillations are necessary, with continuous chest compressions in between.

Yes, each of our AED defibrillators is reusable. Only the AED pads are disposable.

Yes, AED pads are disposable. They must be replaced after each use.

The shelf life of pads varies depending on the type of defibrillator. Pads offered for our AEDs have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years.

The expiration date for the pads is written on the packaging. When it's time to replace the batteries, the defibrillator emits an audible and/or visual alert (depending on the AED model). A red light or indicator illuminates, indicating the batteries need to be replaced.

An AED can beep for a variety of reasons. Once a day, at a set time, the defibrillator emits a "beep." This is a normal response and indicates the battery is calibrating. The beep may also occur if the battery is low or there are problems with the internal electronics. In this case, we recommend contacting our office; an OLAMED consultant will be happy to assist you. OLAMED contact

AEDs automatically test the battery, software, and internal electronics. If the self-test indicates any abnormalities, the AED's main panel displays visual indicators (and sometimes audible ones). Some AEDs perform self-tests daily, weekly, monthly, or upon startup.

At OLAMED, we're here to help. Our qualified advisors will be happy to assist you and advise you on which AED model is right for you. Please contact our office. OLAMED contact

If you remove the battery from an AED, its lifespan is frozen for approximately five years (depending on the device). You can purchase a spare battery and replace it when the current one in the device becomes weak. The battery's lifespan begins the moment it is inserted into the defibrillator.

Yes, the battery should be in the AED at all times. When saving a life, every second counts. In this case, there's no time to install the battery.

AED maintenance costs include replacing batteries and pads. Batteries are replaced on average every 4-5 years. However, their lifespan may shorten depending on many variables, such as temperature, frequency of self-tests, and defibrillator use. The cost of replacing batteries ranges from 300 to 1000 PLN. Pads are replaced after every use or after their lifespan has expired. This cost ranges from 200 to 500 PLN, depending on the AED model.

Ideally, a central location should be available. This location should be accessible and return within 90 seconds from any point in the building. Defibrillators are most often located at porter's lodges, reception desks, and first aid kits. AEDs should be readily visible to everyone, located in the most vulnerable and most attractive areas, including near high-risk areas.

AEDs should be equipped in places where cardiac arrests have occurred within the last two years, as well as in places with high population density (schools, transportation hubs, shopping malls, factories, businesses, health clubs/fitness centers, large offices, apartment buildings, etc.). It's a good idea to equip places that can't be reached quickly by emergency medical services.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a treatable condition. Many victims can survive if they receive prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation.