Operating instructions

LIFEPAK 500 Automated External Defibrillator Operating Instructions 3-3
©1996–2003 Medtronic Physio-Control Corp.
Using the LIFEPAK 500 AED
3 Using the LIFEPAK 500 AED
AED OPERATION
To prepare for ECG analysis and defibrillation:
1 Verify that the patient is in cardiac arrest (the patient is unconscious, not breathing normally and
shows no signs of circulation, e.g., no pulse, and/or no coughing, no movement).
2 Press
ON/OFF to turn on the AED (the green LED will light). The CONNECT ELECTRODES message
and voice prompt will occur until the patient is connected to the AED.
3 Prepare the patient for electrode placement:
If possible, place the patient on a hard surface away from standing water or conductive material.
Remove clothing from the patient's upper torso.
Remove excessive hair from the electrode sites. If shaving is necessary, avoid cutting the skin.
Clean the skin and dry it briskly with a towel or gauze.
Do not apply alcohol, tincture of benzoin, or antiperspirant to the skin.
4 Apply the electrodes to the patient's chest:
Place the
or + electrode lateral to the patient's left nipple with the center of the electrode in the
midaxillary line, if possible. (See Figure 3-1.)
Place the other electrode on the patient's upper right torso, lateral to the sternum and below the
clavicle as shown in Figure 3-1.
Starting from one end, press the electrodes firmly onto the patient's skin.
Figure 3-1 Anterior-lateral position
5 Connect the electrode connector to the AED (if it is not already connected).
6 Follow the screen messages and voice prompts provided by the AED.
If the patient recovers consciousness and/or signs of circulation and breathing return, place the patient
in the recovery position and leave the AED attached.
Special Situations for Electrode Placement
When placing electrodes on the patient, be aware of the following special situations.
Obese Patients or Patients with Large Breasts
Apply the electrodes to a flat area on the chest, if possible. If skin folds or breast tissue prevent good
adhesion, spread skin folds apart to create a flat surface.
Thin Patients
Follow the contour of the ribs and spaces when pressing the electrodes onto the torso. This limits air
space or gaps under the electrodes and promotes good skin contact.
FAST-PATCH Electrodes
QUIK-COMBO Electrodes
Anterior
Lateral
Lateral
Anterior
A
Anterior
Lateral