Auto-defibrillation

Consider the following statement.

“The key to surviving heart attack is aspirin, the key to surviving cardiac arrest is defibrillation”

Adult BLS Sequence

Considerations:

• Dry chest wipe with any cloth to dry the chest
• If possible move metal away from chest area so as not to interfere with electrical pathways
• For very hairy chests, shave a small patch for a good connection
• Be oxygen aware. If oxygen is being used then move the mask away from the casualty before the shock. Behind the operators back is normally sufficient distance.