External Defibrillator
Purpose
To teach lay responders the skills and knowledge needed to provide care for adults experiencing sudden cardiac arrest through the safe use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Also, to teach how to use an AED with pediatric AED pads on child victims between the ages of 1 and 8 or less than 55 pounds.
Prerequisites
Current American Red Cross CPR—Adult or Child certificate or equivalent that has been issued within 1 year of the course completion.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the links in the Cardiac Chain of Survival.
- Explain what defibrillation is and how it works.
- List the causes of cardiac arrest in young children.
- Explain the role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cardiac arrest.
- Identify the general steps for the use of an AED.
- Identify precautions when using an AED on a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.
- Demonstrate how to use an AED.
- Demonstrate how to use an AED with pediatric pads on a child.
Length
Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes
Instructor
A currently authorized American Red Cross instructor in Lay Responder First Aid and CPR/AED,
Emergency Response, Lifeguarding or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer program who has met state qualifications, where required.
Certification Requirement
- Attend and participate in all course sessions.
- Demonstrate competency in all required skills listed on the skills checklist.
- Participate in all skills sessions.
- Pass each section of the written exam with a score of 80 percent or better.
Certificate Issued and Validity Period
AED—Adult and Child: 1 year
Participant Products/Materials
- First Aid/CPR/AED for the Workplace Participant’s Workbook (StayWell Stock No. 656694)
- First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community Participant’s Manual (StayWell Stock No. 652145)
- Adult CPR/AED Skills Card (StayWell Stock No. 656691)
- Infant and Child CPR Skills Card (StayWell Stock No. 656695)