Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Aim of Course

To train divers and others involved in BSAC diving activities with little or no knowledge and experience of Automated External Defibrillators (AED), in their use during a diving emergency situation according to Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines, and with particular attention to precautions required in the diving environment.

AED Course Instructor Notes, Student Workbooks and visual aids can all be downloaded from the BSAC website.

Instructor Qualifications

The lead instructor must be a fully qualified and current Approved AED instructor (AEDI). Any Nationally Qualified Instructors (NQI) may qualify as AEDI by acting as an Assistant AED instructor via the usual observe/assist route. All Instructors and Assistant Instructors must have practiced and updated their skills in BLS and use of an AED within 12 months preceding the course.

Instructors

AEDIs may be assisted by NQIs as Assistant AED instructors who may only give instruction under the direct supervision of the AEDI. No more than one Assistant AED instructor per AEDI and no more than two Assistant AED instructors per course. Every instructor must be an NQI.

Student - Instructor Ratio

4 students to one instructor for the practical sessions. The maximum number of students who can be accommodated on any course will be determined by the venue available for the practical session as the voice prompts from the a large number of training machines can make it difficult for student s to concentrate on their own machines. It is unlikely that most venues would be suitable for more than 12 students, but there is no absolute maximum.

Venue Facilities and Equipment

A suitable classroom with teaching aids for the presentation of theory lessons, laptop PC and projector. Sufficient suitable floor space will be required for up to 6 pairs of students, their instructors plus manikins and HeartStart FRx AED trainers. The practical lessons will require students to work in pairs and each pair will require:

• Manikin with Internal or External Manikin Adapter fitted
• HeartStart FRx AED Trainer unit for each pair of students

Approval

Approved courses are run by the BSAC Coaching Scheme

Examination/Assessment

See instructor notes for performance standards required.

Qualification

The BSAC considers that on completion of this course students will remain competent in the skills taught for 12 months. After this time an update of the skills and information in lessons 4 and 5 is recommended. Plus refresher training will be required for any further training which is dependent on these skills and knowledge.

Student Feedback

Via a Student Feedback form issued at the start of the course, which is to be completed after each lesson. Chief instructor to collect Student Feedback forms at the end of the course which will cover:

• Course content/structure
• Individual lessons
• Instructor performance
• Venue/facilities

Course Content

• Confirmation of Basic Life Support skills
• Use of an Automated External Defibrillator according to Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines with
• practical experience of use of AED on manikin
• Safe use of an AED in diving environments
• Legal status of rescuers
• AED routine maintenance
• Choice of AED

Course Sequence

Below is the sequence in which the course should be delivered:

Instructor Briefing
Assemble, Introductions, Administration and Risk Assessment

Lesson 1: Introduction
Guide duration: 10 mins

Lesson Objectives
To explain and introduce:

• Course aims and objectives
• Instructors
• Venue
• Risk assessment

Lesson 2: The Heart, Its Rhythms & Cardiac Arrest
Guide Duration 20 mins
Lesson Objectives
To revise knowledge of the human heart, and introduce heart rhythms and defibrillation.

At the end of this lesson students should: -

• Understand the basic principles of how the human heart works
• Understand the characteristics of normal and abnormal heart rhythms
• Understand the first aid treatment to be given to a diving casualty suffering from cardiac arrest
• Understand the basic principles of how a defibrillator works

Lesson 3: Use of AED
Guide duration: 35 mins
Lesson Objectives
To introduce the AED and its use in diving situations

At the end of this lesson students should know:-

• Key parts of an AED and other equipment needed
• The protocol for Basic Life Support and incorporation of AED into this
• Safe Use of an AED in diving situations
• Legal liability of Rescuers and how to minimise these
• How to maintain an AED

Lesson 4: Revision of Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrest and Basic Life Support
Guide Duration: 25 mins

Equipment needed: Resuscitation manikin, one for each pair of students
Aims and Objectives:-

To confirm that students are familiar with and competent in the performance of Basic Life Support on an unresponsive non-breathing casualty according to the latest protocols This session is not intended to teach these skills as all students should be fully competent as an entry requirement to the course; however it may be necessary to give additional instruction where this is not the case. In this event the duration of this session may need to be extended. No students should progress to the use of AEDs unless they are able to perform BLS competently and effectively.

Lesson 5: Use of Automated External Defibrillator
Guide Duration: 50 mins

Equipment needed: Resuscitation manikin with defibrillator adaptor strip and defibrillator trainer for each pair of students, casualty record card
Aims and Objectives:
To practice Basic Life Support with AED protocols for a range of possible scenarios requiring and not requiring shock

Lesson 6: Buying a System and Further Training
Guide Duration: 10 mins

Lesson Objectives
To explain:-

• the component parts and approximate costs of an AED system suitable for a diving club
• the importance of practicing these new AED skills and keeping up-to-date with any developments in clinical practice
• consider the related additional BSAC rescue training