Facts about Defibrillators and Pacemakers and AHA Nashville CPR Classes

The heart is the most important organ in the body which pumps oxygenated blood around the body. It is important to keep the heart in good shape as any alteration to its activity may signal impending problems that may also arise to more complicated illnesses. Both a defibrillator and pacemaker can intervene with such complicated illnesses. 

The two most life-threatening cardiac emergencies are a cardiac arrest and heart attack. A victim would require immediate treatment for survival. The most appropriate form of treatment in this regard is proper application of the life-saving CPR techniques that comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths. Always select a certified training center for acquiring training such as the AHA accredited CPR Nashville. At the end of an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville, a student will be eligible for a certification after successfully passing a skills test and written exam.

There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. The programs designed for medical professionals include Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. The programs designed for the general public include HeartSaver CPR and HeartSaver First Aid. The course fees vary for different programs. In the CPR classes, training in how to use an AED device (for the process of defibrillation) is also imparted to the students. 

Defibrillator- The device introduces electrical current or shock to the heart to correct cases of ventricular fibrillation (a quivering of the heart which limits the heart muscle from pumping blood to the body), cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal electrical activity), and ventricular tachycardia (fast heart rhythm). It acts on the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node.

Types of Defibrillators:

Automated External Defibrillator- This is a portable type that can be used by anyone even without intensive training. This device is present in most public places.

Semi-automated External Defibrillator- This is used by more advanced technicians. It also works as an alternative pacemaker.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can be implanted pacemakers.

Pacemaker- It is a small device that is put on the heart to treat abnormal electrical activities such as arrhythmias and other heart rhythm abnormalities. Pacemakers intervenes and corrects abnormalities which involves people suffering from faintness, fatigue, and shortness of breath which may indicate impending arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Pacemaker system is composed of a battery, a computerized generator, and wires with sensors called electrodes on one end. The battery powers the generator, and both are enclosed by a thin metal box. 

Types of Pacemakers:

1.      Standard Pacemaker- It sends an electrical impulse via special wires that are attached to the heart.

2.      Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Pacemaker Combination- This is commonly used in lethal types of heart rhythms.

Get trained and become certified in the indispensable life-saving techniques.

Learning life saving measures is serious and can be intimidating whether it is your first time or your 10th. The experienced American Heart Association instructors of CPR Nashville are trained to ensure the highest quality training experience possible. We want all of our students to be successful and leave feeling confident in the skills they have learned.

For more information, contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.