When and How to Use Primedic Defibrillators
Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone, at any time – regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
Understanding how to use a defibrillator before emergency services arrive can significantly increase the chances of survival during Sudden Cardiac Arrest. If a defibrillator is used within the first minute, survival rates can reach 90%. Survival chances decrease by 10% for every minute that passes without a response, making the role of a bystander essential.
This guide covers when and how to use Primedic defibrillators, including key industry applications and a step-by-step guide to using Primedic AEDs during emergencies.
Who is Primedic?
Primedic, part of the Metrix GmbH family, provides high-quality defibrillators and emergency equipment.
Primedic defibrillators are known for their intuitive, user-friendly design, making them accessible to untrained responders.
Primedic Defibrillators: Industry Application
Having defibrillators in locations where large groups gather can dramatically improve survival rates during Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
The Primedic HeartSave defibrillators are suited to a variety of environments during CPR. With adaptive user guidance, these defibrillators provide clear verbal instructions, ensuring responders can act confidently and efficiently in an emergency.
These defibrillators are especially suited for environments such as:
- Workplaces
- Schools and Universities
- Pharmacies
- Sports clubs
- Hotels and restaurants
- Community centers
- Public transportation
How to Use a Primedic Defibrillator
The Primedic HeartSave Y and YA defibrillators are designed for use on both adults and paediatric casualties when used with the appropriate electrode pads. See more information about electrode pads and accessories on our website for device compatibility.
During Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the HeartSave Y and YA should remain attached to the casualty until medical assistance arrives, even if they start breathing again. It’s important that CPR continues between shocks and rhythm checks until emergency services take over.
Before using the defibrillator, always ensure it is in good working condition, and make sure to use new, undamaged electrode pads to ensure good adherence to the skin to deliver the best shock.
Using the HeartSave Y (Semi Automatic) & YA (Fully Automatic) Defibrillators
- Open the lid of the defibrillator: The defibrillator automatically turns on when the cover is removed. A quick self-test will run and you will hear the prompts: “Power on”, “Call Emergency Services” and “Analysing rhythm do not touch the patient.”
- Ensure the device is on: If the defibrillator doesn’t automatically turn on, press the on/off button to activate it manually.
- Select patient category (Adult or Child): For casualties younger than 8 and weighing less than 25kg, press the Child Mode button. An adult is defined as a person over 8 years old or weighing more than 25kg. The LED will turn green to confirm the Child Mode is active. If unsure about the casualty's age or weight, use Adult Mode.
- Plug in Electrode Cable: If prompted with “Plug in electrodes,” insert the electrode plug into the socket. Skip this step if the plug is already inserted.
- Prepare the casualty: Wear disposable gloves (from the accessory kit) to protect both you and the casualty. Remove any clothing from their chest and use the supplied razor to shave the chest area if needed.
- Apply the defibrillator electrodes: For adults, place one electrode below the collarbone on the right side of the chest and the other on the left side of the chest, below the breast area. For children, place one electrode on the back, at heart level, and the other in the middle of the chest.
- Allow ECG analysis: Once the electrode pads are applied, the device will begin analysing the heart rhythm. The device will prompt, “Analysing rhythm, don’t touch the patient.”
- Administer defibrillation: For HeartSave Y (Semi Automatic), if a shockable rhythm is detected, the device will prompt, “Do not touch the patient, press flashing shock button, deliver shock now.” For HeartSave YA (Fully Automatic), the device will automatically deliver the shock with a countdown prompt, “Three, Two, One.”
- Perform CPR: Follow the device’s CPR prompts. You will be guided through chest compressions and rescue breaths until further help arrives or the device reassesses the rhythm.
- Continue until help arrives: Repeat the process of analysing and defibrillation as the device prompts, alternating with CPR if needed. Continue with providing care until emergency services arrive.
For more detailed operating instructions, see the Primedic user guide for the HeartSave Y and YA defibrillators.
Training is not mandatory to use a defibrillator, but it is highly recommended to increase the chances of survival during Sudden Cardiac Arrest. See our training courses on our website, provided by Imperative Training, for more information about course duration.