AED

AED Shocking Information

            AED or Automated External Defibrillator is a portable device that both diagnoses and treats cardiac arrhythmias.  It treats these disorders through defibrillation.  Defibrillation sends a shock through the heart which causes it to stop and then reestablish or reset an effective rhythm ideally. Despite the complicated technology in AEDs, they are very easy to use.  AEDs are simple to understand with both audio and visual prompts, however AED certification is an important skill in life-threatening situations. 

            AED certification classes through the Red Cross can be found on their website by simply putting in some information on the type of certification you would like. They offer two types of AED certification: Lay Responder and Professional certifications.  Many first aid, first responder, basic life support, and CPR courses also certify in AED. 34% of people who have implemented an AED have used it at least once to save a life.  With heart attacks and heart disease complications being such a big part of our community, it is so important to have an AED readily available with someone who knows how to use it.  

            When present, AEDs can greatly reduce the time between the heart event and treatment (shock).  The less time between those two, the greater the chance that the person will live.  Without AED intervention, every minute after a cardiac event chances of survival decrease by 10%.  Over 300,000 Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest every year.  Up to 50,000 of those could still be alive if someone on scene had been trained in First Aid/CPR and if an AED had been readily available.   

            AED availability along with trained individuals can save lives.  Make sure your place of employment is equipped with an AED and a training program for its use.  Knowledge really can change lives.

Works Cited

AED Awareness Week: AEDs and the numbers. (2009, June 4). Retrieved January 27, 2012, from Cardiac Science: http://www.cardiacscience.com/blog/2009/06/aed-awareness-week-aeds-numbers/

Blank, M. (n.d.). AED Lifesaving Equipment. Retrieved January 27, 2012, from http://www.atri.org/LifesavingEquip.htm

Saving a Life Is as Easy as A-E-D. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2012, from American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d229a5f06620c6052b1ecfbf43181aa0/?vgnextoid=66e0057a43531210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD