Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)

You’ve probably noticed them. Sitting in their cabinets behind glass. AEDs, or Automatic External Defibrillators, often make their presence known by means of various signs as well as being dotted all throughout any business. The larger the facility, the more of these devices are sprinkled about. Though many people have seen AEDs, not as many know what they are, and even fewer know when to use them. After all, delivering a shock to someone’s heart is no small matter. The public should know when to use these defibrillators if they wish to save a life.

What is an AED and Why are They Used?— Every year, nearly a half-million Americans experience Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). When it states sudden, it truly means sudden. The first and primary symptom of Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the loss of consciousness, on account of the heart no longer beating. Afterward, every minute after the Sudden Cardiac Arrest is critical as the body starts to quickly shut down without blood flowing. As you might figure, that’s a serious medical emergency.

What is the treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest? The only treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in 2021 is defibrillation. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can help ventilate the heart; however, it’s not going to do the job alone. An electric shock to the heart is the only way to restore the heart’s beating.

Hopefully, by now, you understand the gravity of the situation. Millions of Americans have experienced a medical emergency by which there is only one treatment that must be delivered within the first few minutes of the symptoms. Thus, it’s important to know about the treatment, defibrillation, and how to properly use an AED when the time comes.


How to Use an AED— For those of us that aren’t medical professionals, the tasking of restarting someone’s heart with a powerful electric shock is a daunting task. Thankfully, there are Automatic External Defibrillators. These AEDs are specifically designed to be used by people with minimal training. So, if you notice someone is unconscious and they believe they’re having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest beyond a reasonable doubt, it’s time to grab the AED from its cabinet. Make sure to be quick; a shock needs to be delivered within the first three minutes of the loss of consciousness for the best chances at resuscitation.

Once you power on the AED and take out the pads, voice instructions from the AED will begin. From there, the device will instruct you on how to apply the pads. From there, it will monitor the heart’s rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. Depending on the AED, it will do this automatically by requiring the press of a button to deliver the shock. Naturally, you should stand clear and not touch the patient during the shock. Depending on the severity of the situation, multiple shocks can be administered before the patient is resuscitated. While most are resuscitated on the first shock, many are still brought back on the fourth or fifth shock. After any and all shocks are administered, the AED will prompt the user to start CPR.

Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. Medical responders are fast to the scene and have saved many lives with their knowledge and speed. However, Sudden Cardiac Arrest is faster and requires more immediate action. AEDs were specifically designed for untrained laymen to deliver the life-saving shock. So, naturally, it would only benefit you to know where your closest AED is, as well as ensure everything there is ready for when an emergency happens.


Setting up an AED— If you’re a business owner, you’ll likely need AEDs at the workplace. Though acquiring an FDA-approved AED is no difficult process, it can be intimidating. After all, this is meant to save a life that requires maintenance and specific conditions to be compliant with the FDA. You don’t want to spend too much money, especially if you have a large property and need multiple AEDs. Here are a few basics for purchasing and setting up an AED.

First, the AED itself. There are a few FDA-approved brands that sell AEDs, each for different price points and offer different features. However, they all do the same, base function: monitor the heart’s rhythm and deliver electric shocks. A common AED to purchase is the Lifeline DDU-100, a simple and cost-effective AED. Though, do be aware that more expensive AEDs offer different features. Some offer screen displays for loud environments or hearing-impaired, others offer self-check software and ECG functionality. Some are approved for airlines, and some are ruggedized to withstand punishment and exposure to the elements. Consider what you need for your workplace and buy accordingly.

Second, is the AED cabinet. Now that you’ve purchased an expensive defibrillation tool, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t get lost, stolen, or broken. An AED cabinet is the solution. Some are made of fiberglass while others are made of metal. Some will have alarms rigged to them, letting everyone know when the cabinet is opened. This helps prevent theft but is mainly to everyone knows that a medical emergency is happening. Look at your property, determine optimal locations for cabinets, and buy accordingly.

Third are accessories. An AED and cabinet are sufficient most of the time, however, you should plan for the worst. Two common items to keep inside the AED cabinet are shears and razors. Difficult to remove clothing or a hairy chest can impede your attempts to secure the AED pads to the patient. When every second matters, you can’t waste time. Some shears and AED pads can ensure you’re ready when Sudden Cardiac Arrest happens.

On a final note, AEDs routinely need to be checked. From their pads to their batteries to the AED itself. With so many components that need to be checked, the FDA has stated that AEDs can expire and thus should be replaced according to the manufacturer's specifications. Most AEDs last five to seven years, but some can last longer. Once they do expire, it doesn’t mean the AED ceases to function. It just means there’s a higher likelihood of component failure.

So, that’s AEDs. These life-saving devices are critical in treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Knowing when to utilize an AED and how they work is imperative to have the confidence to deliver the shock. If you’re a business owner that’s looking into purchasing an AED, keep an eye out and do your research for what is best for your situation.

Soures:

Food and Drug Administration
Medline on Sudden Cardiac Arrest
OSHA regulation on AEDs
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