Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What Does ‘Clearing the Victim’ Mean?
- When to Clear the Victim
- How to Properly Clear the Victim: Steps
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Maximizing AED Success
Introduction
When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, acting fast with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can improve their chance of survival. The rescuer operating the AED clear the victim before delivering a shock. This step, known as clearing the victim, keeps everyone safe and helps the AED work effectively. If you’re preparing for an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course, knowing when to clear the victim is an important part of handling emergencies confidently. Read on to learn when should the rescuer operating the AED clear the victim and why it matters in an emergency.
What Does ‘Clearing the Victim’ Mean?
During AED use, clearing the victim means making sure no one, including you, is touching the person at specific moments. This step keeps others safe and prevents interference with the AED’s operation. When the AED is analyzing the heart’s rhythm, any movement or contact can affect its ability to give an accurate reading.
When should the rescuer clear the victim? Before pressing the shock button on the AED. If someone is in physical contact with the victim during this analysis, it could interfere with the AED’s function, delaying or causing errors in the treatment.
Additionally, when a shock is delivered, the AED uses electrical energy. If anyone is touching the victim at this time, they could receive an electrical shock too, which can cause harm. Clearing the victim before each of these actions protects everyone involved.
Read More: Life Support: Information, Ethics & Decision-making
When to Clear the Victim
When should the rescuer operating the AED turn it on? Immediately upon arrival. Knowing when to clear the victim helps the AED function properly and keeps everyone safe. Studies have shown that survival rates can be as high as 70% if an AED is used within 2 minutes of a person collapsing from cardiac arrest. This highlights the importance of quickly clearing the victim and following the AED’s instructions.
Practicing these steps will increase your confidence in responding quickly and correctly during a real emergency. Here are a few scenarios where clearing the victims is necessary:
Before Rhythm Analysis
Clear the victim when the AED begins to analyze the heart’s rhythm. If anyone is touching the person at this time, it could affect the AED’s ability to get an accurate reading. Once the AED prompts you to stop CPR and stay clear, make sure no one is in contact with the victim so the AED can analyze the rhythm properly.
When the AED Instructs to Stop CPR
In some cases, the AED may instruct you to stop CPR so it can analyze the heart’s rhythm. During this moment, you must ensure no one is touching the victim. Even if CPR was being performed right before the AED was applied, it’s important to stop all contact when the AED is ready to analyze the rhythm.
Before and After Delivering a Shock
Clear the victim again before the AED delivers a shock. Once the AED recommends a shock, announce “Clear!” and make sure no one is touching the victim. Only then you should proceed with the shock to avoid passing the electrical current to others. Follow the prompts provided by the device after an AED delivers a shock.
Read More: Chance of Survival with CPR: What You Need to Know in an Emergency
How to Properly Clear the Victim: Steps
Clearing the victim properly is an important part of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). It ensures the AED works as it should and keeps everyone safe. Here’s how to do it correctly:
Step 1: Stop CPR and Move Away
Once the AED is ready to analyze the heart rhythm, stop CPR. Step back to make sure no one, including yourself, is touching the victim. The AED needs to analyze the rhythm without any interference, and any movement or contact can affect the results. Are you wondering, after an AED delivers a shock what should the rescuer do next? Continue life-saving efforts promptly.
Step 2: Announce “Clear!”
Before the AED delivers a shock, loudly say, “Clear!” This lets everyone nearby know to step back and not touch the victim. This is a safety warning to ensure that no one is in contact with the person when the shock is delivered. When using an AED, after the shock is delivered, when should CPR resume? As soon as the device prompts.
Step 3: Visually Check the Victim
After announcing “Clear!” take a quick moment to check that no one is touching the victim visually. Ensure that there is enough space around the person so that everyone stays clear.
Step 4: Deliver the Shock
Once you’ve confirmed no one is touching the victim, press the shock button on the AED. Only deliver the shock when you are sure the victim is clear and no one else is in contact with them. After an AED delivers a shock, what should the rescuers do next is resume CPR immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an AED during an emergency can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not familiar with the process. However, being aware of these common mistakes can help you use the AED correctly and safely. Here are some things to avoid during a cardiac emergency:
Clearing the Victim Too Late
One mistake to avoid is not clearing the victim early enough. The AED needs a clear and calm environment to analyze the heart’s rhythm. Waiting too long or clearing the victim after the AED has started analyzing the rhythm could interfere with its function. As soon as the AED prompts you to stop CPR and clear the victim, step back immediately and make sure others do the same.
Not Confirming That No One Is Touching the Victim
Another mistake is failing to double-check that no one is in contact with the victim before a shock is delivered. It’s important to announce “Clear!” loudly, but also take a moment to look around and visually check that everyone is clear. Simply calling out isn’t enough if someone hasn’t heard or understood the instruction. Confirm that there is a safe distance before proceeding with the shock.
Assuming the AED Will Detect the Problem Without Any Issues
Sometimes, people rely too much on the AED’s automatic process and forget that it still needs a clean environment. If someone is touching the victim, it can disrupt the AED’s ability to analyze the heart rhythm or deliver the shock properly. Always pay attention to the AED’s instructions and stay alert to any possible interference with its operation.
Maximizing AED Success
In a cardiac emergency, the rescuer operating the AED clears the victim at the right moment. When you stop CPR, announce “Clear!” and make sure no one is touching the victim, you allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if needed. These simple actions, done calmly and correctly, can increase the chance of survival during a cardiac emergency. Following these steps is the best way to provide effective help and support the victim’s recovery.
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