Standards Procedure (Skill)
Clinical Indications: Levels: EMT-B, EMT- D,
EMT-I, EMT-P
Ø Non-traumatic cardiac arrest patient s that are > 8 years of age.
Procedure:
a. Confirm the patient is in cardiac arrest. Instruct partner or First Responders to initiate CPR while preparing the AED.
b. Turn the defibrillator on and begin documentation, follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
c. Attach the cables to the pads and apply the pads to the patient’s bear chest in the proper position.
d. Stop CPR and clear the patient of all contact with personnel. Prior to the rhythm analysis.
e. Analyze the patient’s rhythm by pressing the “ analyze” button.
f. Allow the AED to complete analyzing and prepare to defibrillate if AED recognizes “shock advised”.
g. Assertively state “Clear” and visualize that no one, including yourself is in contact with the patient prior to defibrillation.
h. Depress the shock button on the AED (The sequence of defibrillation charges is preprogrammed for monophasic AEDs. Biphasic AEDs will determine the correct energy setting internally according to the patient presentation.
i. Reassess the patient and the need for additional defibrillations or CPR.
j. The above may be repeated for additional 2 times if the patient remains pulseless.
k. If the patient remains pulseless, perform CPR for one minute and then repeat above procedure for an additional three more defibrillations.
l. If “no shock advised” appears, perform CPR for one minute and then reanalyze.
m. Transport and continue to treat enroute as indicated.
n. Document procedure, response and time on the ACR.
Certification Requirements:
Successfully complete an annual skill evaluation including the indications, contraindications, technique, and possible complications of the procedure.