What happens after a shock

What to Do After the HeartHero Elliot AED Delivers a Shock

The Shock Is Not the End of the Emergency

When the HeartHero Elliot AED delivers a shock, it does not mean the emergency is over. The purpose of the shock is to interrupt the heart’s abnormal electrical activity and give the heart the best chance of restarting in a normal rhythm.

However, the heart may not begin pumping effectively straight away. This is why continuing CPR and following the AED prompts remain essential after a shock has been delivered.

Resume CPR Immediately

After a shock, the HeartHero Elliot AED will continue to guide the rescuer using clear voice prompts. In most cases, the device will instruct rescuers to resume CPR immediately.

Chest compressions help circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs while the heart attempts to recover an effective rhythm.

Follow the AED Prompts Throughout the Rescue

Continue CPR exactly as instructed by the device. The AED will guide you through the rescue and will periodically pause to analyse the casualty’s heart rhythm again.

During each analysis phase, make sure nobody is touching the casualty. This helps the AED accurately assess the heart rhythm without interference from movement or chest compressions.

If Another Shock Is Advised

The AED may advise another shock if it detects a shockable rhythm again. If this happens, follow the AED’s instructions carefully and ensure everyone stands clear while the shock is delivered.

Once the shock has been delivered, the AED will normally instruct you to resume CPR again.

If the Casualty Shows Signs of Recovery

In some cases, the casualty may begin to show signs of recovery. These signs may include:

• Normal breathing
• Movement
• Opening their eyes
• Regaining consciousness

If the casualty begins to breathe normally or show clear signs of life, stop CPR and continue to monitor them closely until emergency medical services arrive.

If the Casualty Does Not Recover

If the casualty remains unresponsive and not breathing normally, continue following the AED prompts and performing CPR.

Keep going until emergency medical services take over, the casualty shows signs of life, or you are physically unable to continue.

Turning the AED Off After a Rescue

After the resuscitation event is complete, the HeartHero Elliot AED can be turned off by pressing and holding the green power button.

Once the device has been turned off after a rescue, the green light may flash rapidly. This indicates that the AED is transferring treatment data from the event.

Do Not Open the Battery Door During Data Transfer

Depending on the amount of treatment data and the available cellular connection, the green light may flash for approximately 1 to 5 minutes.

While the green light is flashing rapidly, the battery door should not be unscrewed or removed. Opening the battery door during this time may interrupt the transfer of event data.

Once the flashing has stopped, normal servicing and post-use checks can be carried out.

Post-Rescue AED Checks

After the AED has been used, it should be checked and prepared for the next emergency. This may include replacing electrode pads, checking the batteries and confirming the device has returned to a ready state.

Key Point to Remember

Throughout the rescue, the HeartHero Elliot AED continues to monitor the casualty’s heart rhythm and guide the rescuer step by step.

The shock delivered by an AED is only one part of the resuscitation process. Continuing CPR, standing clear during analysis and following the AED prompts are essential actions that give the casualty the best possible chance of survival.