Certified in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), Peter Liota often explains to people that certification does not prove necessary to use the device. Since an AED often means the difference between life and death, someone should still use the device on an individual in cardiac arrest even if no one certified is present. The AED administers and electrical shock to the heart, but a built-in computer will assess the situation and keep track of the heart rhythm of the person in cardiac arrest. Based on its calculations, the machine will provide audio and visual prompts about when to administer the shock.
When the first responder first activates the AED, the machine will prompt him or her about attaching the electrodes properly, which allow the computer to judge proper shocks. Some machines will tell the user to stand back while it delivers a shock automatically, while others ask the user to press a button for the electrical current. After the first shock, the computer will recalculate whether further shocks will prove necessary. If the computer determines that electrical current will not help, it will impel the user to check for a pulse and perform CPR. Peter Liota reminds individuals, however, that CPR must be performed in all cases, regardless of the number of shocks, if any.
When the first responder first activates the AED, the machine will prompt him or her about attaching the electrodes properly, which allow the computer to judge proper shocks. Some machines will tell the user to stand back while it delivers a shock automatically, while others ask the user to press a button for the electrical current. After the first shock, the computer will recalculate whether further shocks will prove necessary. If the computer determines that electrical current will not help, it will impel the user to check for a pulse and perform CPR. Peter Liota reminds individuals, however, that CPR must be performed in all cases, regardless of the number of shocks, if any.