Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR Plus - Manual (Page 8)

1-2 LIFEPAK CR Plus and LIFEPAK EXPRESS Defibrillator Operating Instructions
Introduction
ABOUT AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS
The LIFEPAK CR Plus and LIFEPAK EXPRESS defibrillators are automated external defibrillators
(AEDs). For many years, defibrillators have been used only by medical professionals to treat victims in
sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Today, the ability of defibrillators to save lives is so widely recognized that
people once trained to do only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can now use defibrillators.
After electrode pads are applied to the victim’s chest, the defibrillator analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm.
If a shockable rhythm is detected, the defibrillator will either deliver an intense pulse of electricity
(shock) to the heart muscle (fully automatic model) or direct the responder to deliver the shock
(semiautomatic model). The defibrillator delivers shocks through the electrode pads on the victim’s
chest.
When this pulse of electricity is delivered, it is called defibrillation. Defibrillation is recognized for treating
life-threatening heart beat irregularities, such as ventricular fibrillation, that cause SCA.
The LIFEPAK CR Plus and LIFEPAK EXPRESS defibrillators are designed specifically for infrequent
use and for use by people whose only training is in CPR and in using AEDs.
Indications for Use
The LIFEPAK CR Plus and LIFEPAK EXPRESS defibrillators are indicated for use on patients in cardiac
arrest. The patient must be unresponsive (unconscious), not breathing normally, and showing no signs
of circulation (for example, no pulse, no coughing, or no movement). With Infant/Child Reduced Energy
Defibrillation Electrodes, the LIFEPAK CR Plus and LIFEPAK EXPRESS defibrillators may be used on
children who are up to 8 years old or who weigh up to 25 kg (55 lb).
Contraindications
None known.
Why the Need for Defibrillators
The American Heart Association estimates that, in the USA alone, at least 250,000 people die each
year of cardiac arrest. Of these, about 10,000 people might have been saved had they received
immediate treatment from a defibrillator.
Sudden cardiac arrest is usually caused by a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system. Called
ventricular fibrillation, this critical condition prevents the heart from pumping blood throughout the body.
Ventricular fibrillation can cause death within seconds.
Defibrillation is a relatively simple procedure that involves placing electrode pads on a victim’s exposed
chest and delivering an electrical shock to the heart. The externally-delivered shock often restores the
heart’s electrical system to normal rhythm. Combined with CPR, defibrillation provides the most
effective care for victims in cardiac arrest.