With the #1 cause of death for American adults still being sudden cardiac arrest, a shortage of innovation in AEDs won’t come any time soon. Cardiac Science has recently launched their Powerheart G5 AED with an optional iCPR module. The iCPR module is an optional puck like accessory to the AED that works with an integrated CPR coach. The iCPR puck is placed on the patient’s chest after a shock, and is compressed while performing chest compressions. After an AED delivers a shock, studies show the heart responds well to quality CPR. With this iCPR puck, the G5 can coach the rescuer through CPR including real time feedback for their compression pace, depth and recoil.
CPR is not the prime focus once an AED arrives. CPR feedback certainly is a help to a naturally stressed out responder.
Check out this video of the basic G5 defibrillation process.
Once 911 has been called and CPR is initiated, the following are abbreviated instructions for using the Cardiac Science G5:
- The moment the AED arrives on scene, open the AED lid to turn it on
- Use shears to remove clothing from patient’s chest
- Remove white foil pouch from AED lid, tear open and remove pads
- Remove one pad at a time, from the blue liner and place on patient’s chest exactly as shown on the pad’s pictures
- Once pads are in place, wait for AEDs instructions on delivering a shock
- Immediately after the shock, begin quality CPR – use the iCPR module if present. If using the iCPR module, consider having a second bystander perform CPR while the iCPR module is being removed from the green pouch and applied to the patient’s chest
- Continue to follow the AEDs prompts until the next level of help arrives