Defibrillators, AEDs and External Pacing
This course provides biomedical equipment technicians with a foundational understanding of critical patient support devices. Students begin by exploring the fundamental electrical and physiological principles governing cardiac rhythm management, including electrical capture and depolarization. The curriculum then delves into the core components and operational modes of external defibrillation and automated external defibrillation systems, emphasizing safe handling, application, and basic troubleshooting. Subsequent sections focus on external pacing devices, detailing their various modes, parameter settings, and common clinical applications. The course integrates practical skills development through simulated scenarios, covering routine maintenance procedures, performance verification testing, and calibration checks essential for ensuring device readiness and patient safety. Special attention is paid to compliance with regulatory standards and documentation best practices relevant to these life-sustaining technologies.
InstructorJacob CalhounPrerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["- Introduction to Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices and Their Clinical Role","- Fundamental Principles of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Electrical Capture","- Overview of Defibrillation Waveforms and Energy Delivery","- Components and Operation of Manual External Defibrillators","- Principles and Application of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Systems","- Safety Considerations for Defibrillation and Pacing Devices","- Introduction to External Cardiac Pacing: Principles and Modes","- External Pacing Electrode Placement and Performance Checks","- Routine Maintenance and Cleaning Procedures for Resuscitation Devices","- Performance Verification Testing and Calibration of Defibrillators","- Troubleshooting Common Malfunctions in Defibrillation and Pacing Equipment","- Battery Management and Power Supply Systems for Portable Devices","- Regulatory Standards and Documentation for Life Support Equipment Service","- Advanced Operational Scenarios and Integrated Device Management"]