RESUSCITATION AND AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED)

Date of Presentation: 04 June 2026
Presenter: Olufokunbi Ajoke Rebecca, RN, RM, RICN, BNSc, PDE (TRCN), MPH (Epidemiology), MNSc (in view)
Designation: Nurse Intensivist | Assistant Director of Nursing Services
Topic: Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Introduction

A Continuing Professional Education session on Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was delivered by Mrs. Olufokunbi Ajoke Rebecca on 04 June 2026. The presentation focused on the principles, techniques, and clinical application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advanced life support, defibrillation, and post-resuscitation care. The session was designed to strengthen the knowledge and competence of healthcare professionals in responding effectively to cardiac and respiratory emergencies.

Objectives of the Presentation

At the end of the session, participants were expected to:

1. Understand the concept and importance of resuscitation.
2. Describe the principles and phases of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
3. Identify indications for CPR and defibrillation.
4. Understand the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
5. Recognize the equipment and medications used during resuscitation.
6. Appreciate the importance of teamwork during cardiac arrest management.

Summary of Presentation

Definition of Resuscitation

Resuscitation was defined as the process of reviving an individual from unconsciousness or apparent death. It may involve cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or artificial ventilation such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was described as a life-saving intervention that maintains blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs until normal cardiac and respiratory functions are restored.

Purpose of CPR

The presenter highlighted that CPR:

• Restores cardiopulmonary function.
• Prevents irreversible brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
• Sustains life until advanced medical treatment becomes available.

Indications for CPR

CPR should be initiated in cases of:

• Cardiac arrest.
• Respiratory arrest.
• Combined cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Phases of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

The presentation outlined three major phases:

1. Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Airway
• Breathing
• Circulation

2. Advanced Life Support (ALS)

• Drug administration
• Electrocardiographic monitoring
• Defibrillation

3. Prolonged Life Support

• Post-resuscitation care
• Neurological monitoring and recovery

Chain of Survival

The presenter emphasized the importance of the Chain of Survival, which consists of:

1. Early recognition and activation of emergency response.
2. Early CPR.
3. Early defibrillation.
4. Effective post-resuscitation care.

Chest Compression Technique

Key points highlighted included:

• Positioning the patient on a firm surface.
• Compression depth of at least 5 cm in adults.
• Compression rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
• Compression-to-ventilation ratio of:
  • 30:2 for adults.
  • 15:2 for children.
  • 3:1 for neonates.

The importance of maintaining high-quality compressions with minimal interruptions was strongly emphasized.

Airway and Breathing Management

Methods discussed included:

• Head tilt–chin lift manoeuvre.
• Jaw thrust technique.
• Airway suctioning.
• Use of oropharyngeal airways.
• Mouth-to-mouth ventilation.
• Bag-valve-mask ventilation.
• Mechanical ventilation where indicated.

Advanced Life Support

Advanced Life Support interventions discussed included:

• Airway management using specialized equipment.
• Assisted ventilation.
• Cardiac monitoring.
• Defibrillation.
• Administration of emergency medications.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Defibrillation was described as the delivery of controlled electrical energy to the heart to restore normal cardiac rhythm.

The presenter classified cardiac arrest rhythms into:

Shockable Rhythms

• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
• Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
• Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (PVT)

Non-Shockable Rhythms

• Asystole
• Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)

Correct placement of AED pads and adherence to safety precautions during defibrillation were thoroughly discussed.

Resuscitation Medications

Commonly used medications highlighted included:

• Epinephrine
• Atropine
• Dopamine
• Dobutamine
• Amiodarone
• Lidocaine
• Adenosine
• Sodium Bicarbonate

The presenter also discussed medications used in managing poisoning, shock, seizures, electrolyte imbalance, and hypertensive emergencies.

Post-Resuscitation Care

Following successful resuscitation, attention should be directed toward:

• Airway maintenance.
• Adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
• Circulatory support.
• Temperature regulation.
• Blood glucose control.
• Seizure prevention and management.
• Neurological assessment and recovery.

Management of the Cardiac Arrest Team

The presentation emphasized effective teamwork and leadership during resuscitation. Responsibilities should be clearly assigned to team members, including:

• Airway management.
• Chest compressions.
• Drug administration.
• Defibrillation.
• Documentation and timekeeping.

Contraindications to CPR

CPR may be withheld when:

• A valid Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order exists.
• The intervention is considered medically futile by the attending clinician.

Key Lessons Learnt

• Early recognition and prompt intervention significantly improve survival outcomes.
• High-quality CPR remains the cornerstone of successful resuscitation.
• AEDs are effective tools in managing shockable cardiac rhythms.
• Successful resuscitation requires coordinated teamwork and effective communication.
• Continuous professional training is essential to maintain competence in emergency response.

Conclusion

The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of resuscitation principles, CPR techniques, AED application, and post-resuscitation management. The session reinforced the importance of preparedness, competence, and adherence to current resuscitation guidelines in saving lives during emergencies. Participants gained valuable knowledge and practical insights necessary for effective cardiac arrest management in clinical settings.

Recommendations

1. Regular CPR and AED competency training should be organized for healthcare workers.
2. Functional resuscitation equipment should be available and regularly maintained.
3. Mock cardiac arrest drills should be conducted periodically.
4. Healthcare professionals should stay updated with current resuscitation guidelines.
5. AEDs should be readily accessible in high-risk clinical areas.

Appreciation

The participants expressed gratitude to the facilitator, Mrs. Olufokunbi Ajoke Rebecca, for delivering a detailed and informative presentation that enhanced their knowledge and practical understanding of resuscitation and emergency cardiac care.