What is an AED

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. SCA occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. If not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death.  Most SCAs result from ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF is a rapid and unsynchronized heart rhythm that originates in the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles). The heart must be “defibrillated” quickly, because a victim’s chance of surviving drops by seven to 10 percent for every minute a normal heartbeat isn’t restored.

Anyone can use an AED, Although formal training in the use of an AED is not required, it is recommended to help the rescuer increase their comfort and level of confidence.

How are AED’s used?

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are lightweight, battery-operated, portable devices that are easy to use. Sticky pads with sensors (called electrodes) are attached to the chest of the person who is having sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).  The electrodes send information about the person’s heart rhythm to a computer in the AED. The computer analyzes the heart rhythm to find out whether an electric shock is needed. If a shock is needed, the AED uses voice prompts to tell you when to give the shock, and the electrodes deliver it.  Every minute counts. Each minute of SCA leads to a 10 percent reduction in survival.

How do you know when someone is in Sudden Cardiac Arrest? They collapse suddenly, have no pulse, no breathing/gasping

Facts:

It’s estimated that more than 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital.

A victim’s chances of survival are reduced by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 300,000 every year.

SCA can strike persons of any age, gender, race and health.

If an SCA victim receives defibrillation through an AED within the first minute, the survival rate is 90%.

Every year, cardiac arrest kills twice as many people as colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined.

AEDs are able to read the heart rhythm of the patient. They will NOT shock someone who is not in cardiac arrest.

CPR will not restart a heart. Instead, it manually pumps blood through the heart and enables oxygen to reach the brain. This is absolutely vital for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. According to the America Heart Association, if CPR is administered immediately, it doubles or even triples the victim’s rate of survival.

Texas CPR offers CPR and AED training to individuals and companies. If you are an individual in need of CPR/AED training you can register at www.texascpr.com, or if you need training at your office you can call us at 214-770-6872 to schedule a class.  We can accommodate any class size.

Do You Need an AED?
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), Overview
Check your AED: Is It FDA Approved?
What Is An AED
Where to Purchase an AED – AED Superstore is a good place to start.