CPR/AED instruction for the visually impaired

[Guest guest]

I just taught an AHA Heartsaver Adult/Child CPR/AED class that has me saying,

" hmmmm " . I've been teaching CPR for a few years now, and this one has me

stumped.

The students? Many, visually impaired who are learning for 'work' reasons.

We adjust the class so that we are describing as much as we can so the student

can learn. The students are sharp and have no issues. ly, I'd be okay

with them doing CPR to save my own life.

The rub? The AED. It's not user friendly for the visually impaired...for the

blind. There is no braille. Now, I can orient someone to the AED and teach

them all the appropriate spots for the on/off switch...the shock button...and

where to plug in the connector. HOWEVER, the pads.

There is correct pad placement. But, if the user cannot see the diagram, then

the pads cannot be placed accordingly. And, the pads are the same size with no

raised, discerning marks. I am not certain how to tell someone which pad goes

on the left vs the right.

Has anyone had this same scenario before? What tricks did you incorporate in to

your teaching? What can happen if the pads are switched? I know there is a

positive and a negative...so can it confuse the machine? Can it advise for a

shock when there shouldn't be one or even not advise when there should be one?

Any help you can provide is GREATLY appreciated!

Toni Crippen, rookie nremt-p