What is an AED?An AED or automatic external defibrillator is a device that sends an electrical pulse through the heart shocking it out of a fatal rhythm and allowing a normal, healthy rhythm to resume. It is used for treatment of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Why are Public Access AEDs important?Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) kills more than 460,000 Americans every year. A person who suffers from sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital has a 5% chance of survival. For these victims, CPR alone rarely saves a life. However, when an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) is used within the first few minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest, the victim's chance for survival skyrockets to over 70%. AEDs save lives! Unlike many other life-threatening illnesses and conditions, sudden cardiac arrest often occurs outside of a medical setting. In such settings, the victim's only chance for survival rests with the arrival of an emergency medical service--often unavoidably delayed beyond the critical first few minutes--and the use of a defibrillator, a device that delivers a shock to the heart. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the placement of AEDs in public environments, meant to be used by medical personal as well as untrained bystanders. AEDs can now be found in airplanes, airports, schools, shopping malls, and various workplaces. Why does my office/school/community need an AED?AEDs save lives - period. Why can’t I just call 911?Emergency Medical Services (EMS) may not respond fast enough to save someone in cardiac arrest. In fact, the national average response time is 10-12 minutes, so even the best AEDs offer a practical way to save more lives because they are designed for use by nearly anyone. Widespread deployment of AEDs gives SCA victims the best chance of survival. ABC Health & Safety Training, (707) 453-1410 |
