An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight,
portable device that restores normal heartbeat by sending an electric shock or
pulse to the heart. Defibrillators are used to prevent or correct an
arrhythmia, a heartbeat that is uneven or that is too slow or fast, they can
also restore the ticker’s beating if the heart suddenly stops. The shock from
the AED device can potentially stop an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and
allow restoration of normal rhythm following a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Most sudden cardiac arrests result from Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) which is
a rapid and unsynchronized heart rhythm that originates in the ticker’s lower
chambers (ventricles). The victim would require immediate treatment, or his or
her ticker must be “fibrillated” because a victim’s chance of surviving drops by
seven to 10 percent for every minute a normal heartbeat isn’t restored.
Sign up for a CPR course to get trained in the life-saving
procedure. CPR comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths that should be
performed on a person whose ticker has stopped or is no longer breathing
(following an SCA), proper application of the procedure can maintain
circulation and breathing until the arrival of emergency medical services.
Select a certified training site for a CPR class Columbus, such as the AHA certified CPR Columbus in Ohio. Courses for
both healthcare and non-healthcare providers are offered. AED training is
imparted in the CPR classes itself.
Significance
of AEDs:
AEDs are portable that make it possible for more people to
respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. They
can be used by non-medical people or lay-rescuers. They are a part of emergency
response programs these days that also include rapid use of 9-1-1 and prompt
delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These activities are integral
to improving survival from SCA.
Not only medical professionals, but non-medical personnel
such as police, fire service personnel, flight attendants, security guards and
other lay rescuers who have been trained in CPR can use AEDs. Although
formal training isn’t required, training is recommended to help the rescuer
increase their comfort and level of confidence. AEDs are intended for
use by the general public with most AEDs using voice prompts to guide the user
through the process.
Are AEDs
Safe?
The device is safe to use by anyone. According to studies, 90
percent of the time AEDs have been able to detect a rhythm that should be
fibrillated which implies the device is highly effective in detecting when and
when not to deliver a shock.
Accessibility
of AEDs:
AEDs are available in most public places these days such as
sports venues, shopping malls, airports, airplanes, convention centers,
schools, hotels, doctors’ offices. Not only all first-response vehicles
including ambulances, law enforcement vehicles and many fire engines should
have an AED, but they should also be in any other public or
private place where large numbers of people gather or where people at high risk
for heart attacks live and should also be placed near elevators, cafeterias,
main reception areas, and on walls in main corridors.
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