An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest, which is often caused by an electrical malfunction in the heart. The AED kit provides voice prompts and visual instructions, allowing untrained bystanders to quickly and effectively administer defibrillation. Timely application of an AED can restore a normal heart rhythm, significantly increasing the person’s chance of survival.
The AED Device and Power Supply
The core of the kit is the AED main unit, which functions as the device’s intelligent processor. This unit analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm through electrodes and determines if an electrical shock is necessary to correct the abnormal activity. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the machine guides the user with clear audio instructions and visual prompts, ensuring even a layperson can administer therapy safely.
Powering this complex analysis and energy delivery is the battery, a long-lasting, often disposable component designed to maintain a full charge over several years. The battery is responsible for powering the internal capacitor, which stores the high-energy electrical charge required for defibrillation. Most modern AEDs utilize biphasic technology, which delivers energy in two phases across the heart, typically requiring less overall energy (joules) than older models while remaining highly effective.
The electrode pads are the final link in the system, serving the dual purpose of monitoring the heart’s electrical activity and delivering the shock. These adhesive pads are placed on the patient’s bare chest in specific locations to ensure the electrical current passes directly through the heart muscle. Kits often include two types of pads: standard adult pads and attenuated pediatric pads, which use a resistor to reduce the energy delivered for children under a certain age or weight.
Patient Preparation Accessories
The AED kit includes several auxiliary tools, often contained in a separate “Ready Kit” or “Fast Response Kit,” that are necessary to prepare the patient for successful pad placement and defibrillation. One of the most frequently used items is a pair of heavy-duty safety scissors, designed to cut clothing quickly and safely, granting immediate access to the patient’s chest. Since defibrillation requires direct skin contact, rapid removal of clothing is a time-sensitive step.
A disposable razor is included to shave excessive chest hair from the areas where the electrodes will be placed. Significant hair can prevent the adhesive pads from making proper contact with the skin, which can impede analysis or interfere with the electrical shock delivery. Similarly, an absorbent towel or gauze is provided to dry the chest if the patient is sweaty or wet. A dry surface is essential for effective defibrillation, as electrical current will travel across moisture on the skin’s surface instead of through the heart.
The kit also contains personal protective equipment, such as nitrile gloves and a barrier breathing mask. The gloves protect the rescuer from coming into contact with blood or other bodily fluids during patient preparation and CPR. The barrier mask is used if rescue breaths are required, offering a hygienic barrier for the rescuer during mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Maintaining Kit Readiness
Ensuring the AED is functional requires regular maintenance checks. The most important task is routinely checking the expiration dates on the electrode pads and the battery, as these consumable items degrade and must be replaced promptly. AEDs typically perform self-tests daily or weekly, but a visual check of the device’s status indicator light should be conducted at least monthly to confirm operational readiness.
The AED unit must be stored in a visible, easily accessible location, often secured in a wall-mounted cabinet. Storage must be within the manufacturer’s specified temperature range, as extreme heat or cold can compromise the battery life or the integrity of the electrode pad gel. Some local regulations may require the AED to be registered with emergency services, which helps dispatchers direct callers to the nearest available device during an emergency.