A resident of Westland, Michigan, Jimmy M. (Marwan) Kassis holds a degree in psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit and serves as an emergency medical technician (EMT) with Beaumont EMS. In this role, Jimmy Marwan Kassis responds to emergency medical calls to assist patients in distress and possesses a range of skills, including using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Knowing how to use an AED is a skill typically required of emergency medical response workers, but it's possible anyone may one day be in a position to help someone using the device. Below are some important tips for using an AED safely and effectively.
1. Ensure the patient's chest is clear before performing defibrillation. The chest pads of the defibrillator should only be placed on bare skin to avoid burns and shock. Always check to ensure the pads are not in contact with hair, nitroglycerine patches, or other materials before using the device.
2. Refrain from touching the patient while using the defibrillator. This can generate a shock to the user, and also interfere with the analysis and results provided by the device.
3. Ensure the patient requires defibrillation before using the AED. If the patient does not have a pulse, the defibrillator can safely be used. Fortunately, most AEDs check for a pulse and provide an alert that defibrillation is required.
