How do I check my AED for readiness?
AEDs should be checked at least every 30 days for readiness. When you receive the monthly email reminder to check the AED, you can log into Arch at www.onlineoversight.com to record a readiness check. AEDs perform self-checks so the readiness checks are typically visual checks to confirm the readiness indicator is displayed and that all AED consumables (electrode pads and batteries) are installed and within their usable dates. You are also checking for the presence of a first responder readiness kit near the AED and that the AED does not appear to be tampered with.
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How do I perform an AED readiness check?
1. Log into Arch: www.onlineoversight.com
2. Follow the steps below: Click on the AED Readiness button found to the right of the map Click on the indicator in the readiness column for the AED you are checking
Answer the four yes/no questions relating to the AED's readiness status
Click the Save button
You can also enter a readiness check by following these steps: Click on the indicator representing the AED(s) in the map Click the Perform Check button Click on the indicator in the readiness column for the AED you are checking
Answer the four yes/no questions relating to the AED's readiness status
Click the Save button
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What if I accidently answer NO to one of the questions?
If you mistakenly answer "No" to one of the questions when performing an AED readiness check, upon clicking the Save button, you will be asked if you are sure a test failed. You are warned that a support ticket will be generated and that you will be contacted by customer service. You can click the Cancel button to return to the four questions where you can change your answer to a "Yes" answer.
If you continue and click "OK" and a support ticket is filed by mistake, you can record another readiness check showing the AED passes with all "Yes" answers.
It is also helpful to alert us of the error by submitting a note to the support ticket:
Click on the Help & Training tab
Click on Support Tickets
Click on the support ticket number
At the bottom of the page, click on the "Add a new note" button and report the support ticket was an error.
We will need you to re-inspect the AED to show it passes all questions with Yes answers to allow us to close the support ticket.
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What if my device shows it failed the readiness check or I have been contacted by Annuvia that it has failed but everything was in working order when I check the device?
We refer to this as a “False Positive Test.” This is when we have received a report that an AED unit has failed its readiness check yet it is currently in working order. The most common reason for this to occur is that one of the readiness questions was answered "No" during the check. If this happens, record another readiness check showing all questions pass.
Remember, If you are contacted by Annuvia concerning your AED not passing its readiness check and it is due to a “False Positive Test,” you must perform a successful test for the failed test to be disregarded.
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How do I generate a report of all readiness checks for all the AEDs ? (Global Admins only)
To locate this report for the AEDs, first make sure that you are logged into Arch with Global Admin role. Next, click on the Setup on the menu above the map on your landing page. In the Setup menu, all past AED checks to CSV link. The report will be exported as a CSV file.
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What do the different color icons stand for?
An icon is placed on the map for each location where there are AEDs at your organization. If there is more than one AED at a location, you will only see one icon at that location. Green with white check mark - AED is up-to-date. This means that no readiness checks are coming due or overdue and all equipment is current. Yellow with white stopwatch - the AED has a near-term need. This might be a pending readiness check or equipment like batteries and/or electrode pads that need to be re-ordered. Red with white X - either a monthly readiness check has not been performed in over 30 days or there is at least one supplies expiration issue. It is important for you to check the unit right away to resolve the issue(s). Orange square with white exclamation mark - means that someone at your organization reported an error or an AED usage event and a support ticket has been opened. Whenever a support ticket it opened, your program manager is contacted so that we can help you address the issue as quickly as possible. Only your program manager can resolve the issue and remove the "exclamation mark".
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How do I change my personal information?
Changing your personal information is simple.
1. Log onto Arch: www.onlineoversight.com
2. Select Setup ➜ My Profile from the drop-down menu found on your Dashboard.
3. Update details as desired.
4. Click the Save button when finished.
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How do I look at and/or update the expiration dates on my AED?
To view the expiration dates for your AED, follow the steps below: From home page, click on AED serial number (make sure the AED units tab is selected.) View the supplies expiration dates in the Accessory Expiration Info box on the right side of the page. To set new expiration dates, click on the corresponding button. If you need to manage the types of accessories for the AED, click on the Manage Accessories button and add or remove the desired supplies.
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How do I check the certification status of a Responder?
To check the certification status of a Responder click on the Responders & Users tab below the map. The marker shows the certification status of the user. Click on the user's name to view the type of certification they hold.
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How do I change my personal information?
To change your personal information simply select “My Profile” from the “Setup” drop-down menu found on your Dashboard page.
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How do I change a Responder’s information?
Change a Responder’s information by following these steps: Click on the Responders & Users tab under the map. Select the name of the Responder to update. Click the Edit button to update the user's information. Click the Save button. Do not update with a different user's name and information. Create a new user for this purpose.
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What if the AED icon is not in the proper place?
Annuvia has partnered with Google Maps to provide our users with a representation of where their AED unit is located. In most cases, the location of the AED unit relative to our maps is very accurate. At times, however, the location may be slightly off. The location of the glowing AED icon is based on the location address entered into our database. Annuvia and Google determine the proper geocoordinates based off of this address and use these geocoordinates to locate the AED on the map. If your facility has one address, but a large campus, it is possible the exact placement may be off. Additionally, we round to the nearest ten-thousandth place (i.e. x.xxxx) when calculating our geo-coordinates and some organizations round to the nearest hundred-thousandth place. This minor difference can affect the results slightly.
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As a local or global administrator, how do I input responders and training into the training records on Arch?
Global administrators can always add new users and training records. Local administrators can always add training records for existing users, but depending on an organization's settings, a local administrator may not be able to add additional users. There are two steps: (1) adding the responders to the system and (2) adding their training records.
(1) In the top menu, click on Setup and then Users. Click on the New User button. Add information for the new user and click the Create Button. Repeat for all new users you would like to add. (2) To add the training record, from the top menu, click on Help & Training and then Training Records. Click on the New Training Record button and add the training. Then click the Save button. Arch will show the training record. If you would like to upload the certificate of course completion, click on the Load Certificate button and in the Upload Certificate section, select the file to upload from your computer and click the Load button.
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Do I need to remove the defibrillator pads before doing chest compressions?
No. The pads remain on throughout the resuscitation and until the patient is transferred to advanced care providers, such as the paramedics. If the pads are in their correct locations on the passenger's chest, they will not interfere with proper hand placement or compressions. When doing compressions, make sure the cable is not under your hands.
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How do I locate the Policies and Procedures for my AED program?
To locate the Policies and Procedures, first make sure that you are logged into your account.
If your role is a Local Administrator, or site contact, you can access the Policies and Procedures by clicking on the Policies button from the menu bar on the right side. You will be asked to select the location first. As a Global Administrator, click on the Locations tab under the map on your landing page. Then click on the location name. The Policies and Procedures is found in the Documents and Attachments section at the bottom of the page.
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Is it okay to place the electrodes directly on a hairy chest?
Electrodes must come in direct contact with the skin. If the chest hair is so excessive as to prevent good adhesion of the electrode, the hair must be removed quickly.
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Why is it so important to be sure that the defibrillation electrodes are firmly adhered to a clean, dry chest?
Successful defibrillation requires electricity to flow from one electrode to the other through the chest. If the electrodes are not firmly adhered and there is sweat or another conductive material between the electrodes, the electricity will be more likely to flow across the chest rather than through it. This will result in ineffective defibrillation and an increased chance of sparks and fire. (The main reason for removing therapeutic oxygen from the immediate vicinity of the victim.)
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What if I don't perform all the steps of CPR and defibrillation perfectly?
A cardiac arrest is a high stress situation. Even experienced health care providers do not always do everything perfectly. In a cardiac arrest, performing CPR, even imperfectly, and using a defibrillator can only help the patient.
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I shocked a woman in cardiac arrest 3 times within minutes after she collapsed. I heard later that she did not survive. Did I do something wrong?
Unfortunately, because of other underlying medical or heart problems, not all victims of cardiac arrest who are in VF will survive even if defibrillation is done promptly and correctly.
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I placed the AED on a patient who had a cardiac arrest and the machine always prompted "No Shock Advised." Even with CPR, the patient did not survive. Why didn't the AED shock this victim?
Although VF is the most common rhythm in cardiac arrest, it is not the only one. There are other heart rhythms associated with cardiac arrest that are not treatable with defibrillation "shocks.” A "No Shock Advised" message doesn't mean the victim's rhythm is back to normal.
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If the patient is breathing and regains a pulse, should the victim be placed back in a seat?
No, leave the victim on the floor; monitor pulse, breathing and blood pressure closely. Place the victim in the "rescue" or side position, keep them warm, administer oxygen, and continue to monitor closely.
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What if the victim regains a pulse but is not breathing or is breathing slowly?
Continue to follow the instructions provided by the AED.
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After I have successfully defibrillated the victim and a pulse has returned, do I keep the AED on the person?
Yes, even after successful defibrillation, a person is at risk of developing ventricular fibrillation (VF) again. The AED will continually monitor the victim for the return of VF. The AED should be left on until emergency personnel assume responsibility for the patient. The defibrillation pads (electrodes) are disposable.
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Do all physicians and nurses know how to defibrillate?
Not all physicians and nurses know how to defibrillate, or they may not be familiar with the type of defibrillator you are using. Once you have been trained, continue to use it. Medical personnel may be needed to administer drugs, and give other advanced medical care.
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How much of the patient's clothing needs to be removed to carry out defibrillation?
The chest should be exposed to allow placement of the disposable defibrillation electrodes. A woman's bra should be removed. Clothes may need to be cut off to facilitate early defibrillation.
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Can I defibrillate on or near a metal surface?
Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Keep the defibrillation electrodes away from contact with the conductive surface. Clear the victim and defibrillate as usual. Be sure not to allow anyone to touch the passenger when the shock is delivered.
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Can I defibrillate on a wet surface?
Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Be sure the victim's chest is wiped dry. Keep the defibrillation electrodes away from a damp or conductive surface. Clear the victim and defibrillate as usual. Be sure not to allow anyone to touch the passenger when the shock is delivered.
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Should I use the AED if the patient has a pacemaker or is pregnant?
Yes, never withhold AED use in a person in cardiac arrest (unresponsive, not breathing, no pulse).
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Do patients "jump" when a shock is delivered?
Most will "jump" slightly although not to the extent seen on many television shows.
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What are your business hours?
Annuvia’s standard business hours are Monday-Friday from 7AM to 5PM (CST).
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What if the patient has a medication patch on or EKG electrodes on the chest where I want to place the defibrillation pads?
Never place AED electrode pads directly on top of medication patches, such as nitroglycerin, or EKG patches. Patches should always be removed and the skin wiped dry before placing defibrillator pads on the skin.
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Can I accidentally shock another rescuer or myself?
AEDs are extremely safe when used properly. The electric shock is programmed to go from one pad to another through the victim's chest. Basic precautions, such a verbally warning others to stand clear of the patient and visually checking the area before and during the shock, will virtually ensure the safety of rescuers.
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Can I be sued using the defibrillator?
To date there has never been a case where someone was held liable for using an AED, but as you know, anyone can be sued. Likewise, most states have passed "Good Samaritan" legislation protecting the lay rescuer from lawsuits.
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If defibrillation is so important, why should I do CPR?
CPR provides some circulation of oxygen rich blood to the victim's heart and brain. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of heart muscle. CPR buys some time until the AED can arrive and also makes the heart more likely to respond to defibrillation.
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Should I do CPR first or apply the AED?
Do CPR only until the AED arrives. Apply the electrodes to the patient's bare chest and follow the voice prompts and messages of the AED. It will tell you when to resume CPR. CPR is a holding action until the heart is defibrillated.
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What if I forget the steps for using the AED?
The AED provides visual and/or audible prompts required for the entire resuscitation process.
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What if I mistakenly apply the AED to someone who fainted but still has a pulse that I can't feel?
The AED is designed not to advise a shock for a patient with a non-shockable rhythm. It would be very difficult to harm a patient even in such circumstances.
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Will I hurt the patient by using the AED?
When used on people who are unresponsive, not breathing, and have no detectable pulse, the AED is extremely safe. The AED makes shock-delivery decisions based upon the patient's heart rhythm, and will not allow a shock to be delivered if not needed. The machine will not let you shock a non-shockable rhythm. If the patient meets the criteria; unresponsive, not breathing, no pulse they are essentially "dead". Since the patient is already dead, anything a rescuer does (i.e., using an AED, starting CPR) can only help the patient.
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What's the difference between the AEDs and the defibrillators that are shown on TV?
The defibrillators often shown on TV are called "manual defibrillators." A manual defibrillator is not "automated" the defibrillator does not interpret the need for defibrillation. Trained medical personnel interpret the heart's rhythm and make the decision whether to shock the patient or not. The shock can be delivered by the use of paddles or defibrillation pads.
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What is an AED?
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a device that analyzes and looks for shockable heart rhythms, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation, and delivers the defibrillation shock if needed.
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How is ventricular fibrillation treated?
The only effective treatment for VF is an electrical shock called defibrillation. Defibrillation is an electrical current applied to the chest. The electrical current passes through the heart with the goal of stopping the VF and giving an opportunity for the heart's normal electrical system to take control. This current helps the heart reorganize the electrical activity so it can pump blood again. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can defibrillate the heart.
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What is ventricular fibrillation?
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is an abnormal heart rhythm often seen in sudden cardiac arrest. This rhythm is caused by an abnormal and very fast electrical activity in the heart. VF is chaotic and unorganized; the heart just quivers and cannot effectively pump blood. VF will be short lived and deteriorate to asystole (a flat line) if not treated promptly.
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Who is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?
While the average age of sudden cardiac arrest victims is about 65, sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable and can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime.
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Is sudden cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?
No. A heart attack is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, resulting in the death of the heart muscle. Heart attack victims usually (but not always) experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. However, sudden cardiac arrest may occur independently from a heart attack and without warning signs. Sudden cardiac arrest results in death if not treated immediately.
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What is sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest simply means that the heart unexpectedly and abruptly quits beating. This is usually caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF).
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