Automated External Defibrillation, AED

A critical key to saving victims of sudden cardiac arrest is early access to defibrillation. Chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10 percent for each minute that passes without defibrillation. A victim's best chance for survival is when there is revival within 4 minutes.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, lightweight device used to assess a person's heart rhythm. If necessary, it administers an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm in victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Provision of AED equipment allows crew members with proper training to defibrillate cardiac arrest victims quickly and effectively, improving the chances of survival dramatically.

There is no legal bar to airlines making a defibrillator available to air crews if the assessment of first aid needs indicates such equipment may be required. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, do not prevent someone who is specially trained from taking action beyond the initial management of a casualty. It is essential that the person who will be required to use a defibrillator is appropriately trained.

This course covers the use of automated external defibrillation equipment.

Course Content

• Revision of CPR
• Anatomy & Physiology of the heart
• Improving survival chances using AED
• Undertaking AED
• Selecting and maintaining AED equipment