Why AED?

According to sources, approximately 300,000 people in the United States die each year from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA causes the heart to stop abruptly, typically killing the victim within minutes. Although the exact number of victims of SCA is not know, it is estimated that 95% of these individuals die before reaching the hospital. It is estimated that a large percentage of people who suffer from SCA enter a heart rhythm known as Ventricular Fibrillation (VF). VF produces erratic electrical impulses within the heart causing the heart not to beat.

Heart beat is produced by electrical impulses which travel through the heart muscle causing the muscle to "squeeze" as the electricity travels through it. Ventricular Fibrillation can be most associated with your vehicle's electrical system. When the electricity travels it's normal path all of the equipment in you car works correctly. Should you press the horn switch in your car and the windshield wipers go on, this would be similar to a heart that is in VF. The electrical activity is present however, it is disorganized and not following the appropriate path, causing the correct beating action to cease.

The only cure for Ventricular Fibrillation is a medical procedure called Defibrillation. Defibrillation is the application of a "counter shock" to the heart. This high-energy shock delivered through paddles or electrodes applied to the victims chest may re-establish a normal heart rhythm. In the witnessed cardiac arrest with prompt CPR and prompt Defibrillation it is estimated that approximately 90% of victims suffering from SCA can be resuscitated.

What is an AED?

An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator is a lightweight, portable Defibrillator made for use by the general public. These easy-to-operate devices require little training and input from the user. The devices are so technologically advanced that the machine automatically interprets the victims heart rhythm and determines whether Defibrillation is needed. Once Ventricular Fibrillation is identified the user is voice prompted to press a button to deliver a "shock" to the victim. If Ventricular Fibrillation is not identified by the AED the user will be prompted to check for breathing and a pulse and begin CPR if necessary.

Where can AEDs be found?

AEDs are becoming widely available for public use. Initially AED's were placed in the hands of first responders such as fire personnel, police officers, and Basic Life Support ambulances. Now that AED's have been proven safe, effective, and easy to use there is a nation-wide push to put them in the hands of the public. Typically the public is present well before a Defibrillator equipped ambulance arrives at an emergency. By learning CPR and AED use the public is now able to begin life-saving treatment originally only delivered by skilled medical personnel. AED's are now commonly found at shopping malls, restaurants, casinos, health clubs, businesses, and on airplanes. Most states have also adopted Good Samaritan Laws that protect the general public who use these devices from civil liability in the event of a lawsuit.