Do you use AED first or CPR?

In the event of sudden cardiac arrest, the recommended sequence of actions is to start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately, and if an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible. There’s a general guideline for responding to a sudden cardiac arrest.

• Firstly, you have to check for responsiveness and if you come across a person who has collapsed, check for responsiveness by tapping them and shouting.
• Next, call for help If the person is unresponsive, call for emergency medical assistance (911 or your local emergency number) and start CPR which is begin with chest compressions.
• Next, push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at a rate of at least 100-120 compressions per minute following the AHA Guidelines.
• If an AED is available, turn it on and follow the device’s instructions. The AED will analyse the person’s heart rhythm and prompt you to deliver a shock if necessary. After delivering a shock, resume CPR immediately. Continue performing cycles of CPR and using the AED until emergency medical personnel arrive or the person starts showing signs of life.
• The combination of early CPR and defibrillation with an AED greatly increases the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. The key is to initiate these actions as quickly as possible. If you are alone and an AED is available, use it as soon as you can. If there are others present, one person can start CPR while another retrieves and sets up the AED. Remember to follow any specific guidelines or protocols provided by your local health authorities or training organizations, as practices may vary based on region and updates to guidelines.

In the context of responding to a cardiac arrest, the general guideline is to initiate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) first, and if an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible. The combination of early CPR and early defibrillation significantly increases the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Both actions are crucial components of the Chain of Survival, which is a series of actions that, when performed promptly and in sequence, can improve the likelihood of surviving a cardiac arrest.
Nor Amirah Natasha Binti Azlan
(First Aid Instructor, Cert Academy)