TL;DR
AED Operation: Power on, apply pads, analyze rhythm, shock if advised, resume CPR.
AED Operation
Definition
Power on, apply pads, analyze rhythm, shock if advised, resume CPR.
Regulatory Context
Regulatory context for aed operation includes federal and state requirements. Healthcare facilities must comply with CMS Conditions of Participation, state licensure requirements, and accreditation standards (Joint Commission or AAAHC). Non-compliance can result in citations, fines, or loss of Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement.
Documentation
Documentation of aed operation in the patient care report (PCR) must include: time of assessment, findings, interventions performed, patient response, and reassessment findings. Use objective, measurable terms like "patient reports 8/10 chest pain" rather than "patient in pain." Document pertinent negatives. All medications administered must include drug name, dose, route, time, and patient response.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Protocol steps for aed operation:
Pediatric weight-based dosing: Broselow tape for length-based weight estimation in emergencies
Clinical Significance
In prehospital care, understanding aed operation can mean the difference between a positive patient outcome and a critical miss. A 22-year-old motorcyclist with high-speed ejection. GCS 8, unequal pupils, posturing. Suspect TBI with herniation: hyperventilate, elevate head 30 degrees, rapid transport to trauma center.
Related pharmacology: dextrose at D50W 25g IV (adult), D25W 2-4 mL/kg (peds), indicated for Hypoglycemia.
Common Errors
Critical errors in prehospital application of aed operation:
- Failing to reassess after intervention. Vital signs must be rechecked every 5 minutes for unstable patients
- Incorrect medication dosing. Always use length-based estimation (Broselow tape) for pediatric patients
- Tunnel vision on one finding while missing the complete clinical picture
- Not communicating changes to receiving facility during transport
Key Values & Ranges
Key values and ranges relevant to aed operation in prehospital care:
| Parameter | Adult | Pediatric |
|---|---|---|
| blood pressure | 90/60-120/80 mmHg | 70+(2*age) systolic minimum |
| GCS | 15 is normal, under 8 = severe TBI | modified pediatric GCS for preverbal |
| temperature | 97.8-99.1 F (36.5-37.3 C) | same range, rectal preferred under 2yo |
| heart rate | 60-100 bpm | 80-150 bpm (infant), 70-120 bpm (child) |
Why It Matters
AED steps and pad placement tested on EMT, CNA, and MA exams.
Related Terms
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