An AED is a portable device used in emergency medical situations for a person in a state of SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest). AEDs are designed specifically with ease of use in mind. True to its name, an AED does most of the work automatically. Instead of holding two charging paddles, two pads are attached to the chest of the victim. The machine will determine the voltage needed (or whether or not defibrillation is needed at all). From there, AEDSs provide voice and/or visual instructions for the user to follow = designed to be simply enough for anyone to use.
AEDs are always found in first responders’ vehicles, like ambulances and fire trucks. However, they are also available for public use and are becoming standard in more and more public places, especially those that attract large crowds. Your local shopping mall, concert venue, convention center, sporting arena, school, church and even your neighborhood grocery store probably have an AED on hand in case someone goes into an SCA episode.
An alarming characteristic of SCA is that it can be caused by a number of factors—heart disease, respiratory arrest, choking, drowning, trauma, or electrocution, among others—so anyone can suffer SCA, regardless of how healthy they are. For that reason, emergency preparedness is critical. When AEDs are readily accessible, bystanders can spring into action to help.
Of course, calling 9-1-1 and starting CPR are the first steps for a person in suspected cardiac arrest. However, according to the American Red Cross, the average response time for first responders is somewhere between 8 and 12 minutes. Brain death can begin as soon as 4 minutes after an SCA episode starts. For every minute that passes while a person is in SCA, the odds of survival decrease by roughly 10%. Therefore, a person in SCA usually needs intervention before first responders even arrive. Having access to an AED is essential.
Quick-thinking bystanders have been able to save lives using AEDs, and time is of the essence when someone goes into a state of sudden cardiac arrest.
Can your business, organization, or home afford not to have one on hand?
Check out our website for any of your AED needs at AEDMarket.com. Call us at 1-800-441-8378 or email us at info@aedmarket.com with your questions about which AED is right for your needs.