The Brutal Facts:
- When it comes to saving lives during a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), every second counts!
- Anyone at any age at any time can suffer a sudden cardiac arrest and often without warning.
- Every minute that passes after someone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, their chances of survival decrease by 10%.
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the number one killer in the United States each year. 1.
If you’re around someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest, there are three things you need to do:
1. Call 911
2. Push, start CPR immediately.
3. Shock, attach an AED to that person as quickly as possible.
Following these three steps are critical to increase the chances of survival.
Why are AEDs important?
AEDs play a critical role in increasing survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest victims. Time is of the essence during an SCA, and immediate defibrillation can significantly improve the chances of survival. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by approximately 7-10%. With each passing minute, the likelihood of a successful resuscitation diminishes. AEDs provide a crucial intervention while awaiting professional medical help, bridging the gap between the onset of cardiac arrest and the arrival of emergency medical services.
Who can use an AED?
One of the remarkable features of AEDs is their ease of use. These devices are designed to be operated by anyone, regardless of their medical background. The step-by-step instructions and voice prompts provided by the AED guide the user through the entire process, from electrode placement to delivering a shock. The AED’s smart technology ensures that the shock is only administered if it is required, minimizing the risk of accidental misuse.
AED maintenance and training
Regular maintenance and upkeep of AEDs are crucial to ensure their optimal functionality. It is essential to have a system in place for regular checks of battery life, electrode pad expiration dates, and general device readiness. AEDs should be placed in easily accessible locations with clear signage, and personnel responsible for their maintenance should undergo proper training on AED usage and CPR techniques. Organizations should consider implementing AED training programs to ensure that employees or community members feel confident and capable of responding in an emergency.
But what are AED’s or Automated External Defibrillators?
Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs for short, are portable battery-operated devices are designed to deliver an electric shock to the heart, effectively restoring its normal rhythm and increasing the chances of survival. AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and can be used by anyone, even without medical training. AEDs are commonly found in public places such as airports, schools, gyms, and offices, as well as in the hands of trained professionals like paramedics and firefighters.
Hospitals use defibrillators to shock hearts back into normal rhythm, AEDs automate the process so that regular untrained bystanders can use them.
In other words, AEDs empower bystanders to save people suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
In this blog post, we’ll outline everything you need to know about AEDs, from their purpose and functionality to their importance in emergency situations.
How does an AED work?
AEDs are equipped with built-in electrodes that are attached to the chest of a person experiencing cardiac arrest. The device analyzes the heart’s electrical activity and determines if a shock is needed. If an abnormal rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, is detected, the AED prompts the rescuer to deliver a shock by pressing a button. The shock interrupts the chaotic rhythm and allows the heart to reestablish an effective beat.
Legal considerations and AED deployment
Deploying AEDs in public places raises legal considerations, and various jurisdictions may have different regulations in place. It is important to understand the legal implications and requirements specific to your region. Many countries have enacted “Good Samaritan” laws to protect individuals who use AEDs in good faith to save lives. These laws generally provide immunity from liability for those who attempt to help in an emergency.
AEDs and CPR
AEDs work hand in hand with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to improve survival rates during cardiac arrest. While the AED is being prepared and applied, bystanders should initiate CPR immediately. CPR helps to circulate the oxygen-rich blood to the vital organs, keeping the person alive until defibrillation can be performed.
By providing rapid defibrillation and bridging the gap until professional medical help arrives, AEDs give individuals experiencing cardiac arrest a fighting chance at survival. With their increasing availability in public spaces and a better understanding of their usage, AEDs have become an essential component in promoting community health and safety.
