The function of the Hearthero AED

How the HeartHero Elliot AED Works During Sudden Cardiac Arrest

What Happens During Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

When someone collapses in sudden cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer pumping blood effectively around the body. This usually occurs because the heart’s electrical system becomes disorganised.

Rather than beating in a normal, steady rhythm, the heart may begin to quiver or beat chaotically. When this happens, blood flow is severely reduced or stops completely, meaning the brain and other vital organs are quickly deprived of oxygen.

Without immediate treatment, sudden cardiac arrest can quickly become fatal. This is why early CPR and fast access to an AED are essential to improving survival rates.

What Is the HeartHero Elliot AED?

The HeartHero Elliot AED is an automated external defibrillator designed to analyse the heart’s electrical activity and determine whether a controlled electric shock may help restore a normal rhythm.

Once the electrode pads are correctly placed on the casualty’s chest, the device begins monitoring and analysing the heart rhythm through those pads.

The Elliot AED is specifically looking for certain abnormal heart rhythms that may respond to defibrillation.

Shockable Heart Rhythms

Some cardiac arrest rhythms are known as shockable rhythms. These include:

• Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
• Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (pVT)

In these situations, the heart’s electrical activity becomes chaotic and is no longer producing an effective heartbeat.

The HeartHero Elliot AED can deliver a carefully controlled electrical shock to help reset the heart’s electrical system and provide the best chance of restoring a normal rhythm.

When No Shock Is Advised

Not every cardiac arrest rhythm can be treated with defibrillation. Sometimes, the Elliot AED may analyse the heart rhythm and state that “No Shock Advised”.

This does not mean the device is faulty or malfunctioning. It simply means the detected heart rhythm cannot be corrected with an electric shock.

In these situations, the most important action is to continue high-quality CPR immediately.

Why Nobody Should Touch the Casualty During Analysis

During the analysis phase, it is extremely important that nobody touches the casualty.

Movement, chest compressions or physical contact can interfere with the device’s ability to accurately assess the heart rhythm. This is why the HeartHero Elliot AED will instruct rescuers to stand clear whilst analysis is taking place.

How the Elliot AED Delivers a Shock

If the Elliot AED determines that a shock is required, it will prepare to deliver the shock and guide the rescuer through the process with clear voice prompts.

Everyone must remain clear of the casualty whilst the shock is delivered to ensure safety.

The shock briefly interrupts the heart’s abnormal electrical activity, giving the heart an opportunity to restart in a more effective rhythm.

Why CPR Must Continue After a Shock

Following a shock, the device will instruct the rescuer to resume CPR immediately.

CPR helps maintain the circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs whilst the heart attempts to recover an effective rhythm.

Continuous Monitoring and Rescuer Guidance

Throughout the rescue, the HeartHero Elliot AED continues to monitor the casualty’s heart rhythm and provides clear instructions to guide the rescuer.

The device will only advise or deliver a shock when it is safe, appropriate and clinically necessary.

Key Point to Remember

By following the prompts from the HeartHero Elliot AED and continuing CPR when instructed, rescuers are giving the casualty the best possible chance of survival.