Taking a Look at AED’s
July 13th, 2008 | 
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Sudden cardiac arrest is a frightening and life threatening experience. Of the 200,000 Americans who die due to sudden cardiac arrest each year, 50,000 of those lives could have been saved if an automatic external defibrillator was available for immediate use.
What it is
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a device that sends an electric shock to the heart of victims of sudden cardiac arrest. The portable device is designed in such a way that people with minimal training can use it without risk of causing further injury to a cardiac arrest victim.
How they work
This life saving device is very simple and easy to operate. It uses audio and visual prompts to give and illustrate instructions to the rescuer. After the machine is turned on, the rescuer will be prompted attach two adhesive electrodes to the the victim’s chest. The AED will begin to monitor the victim’s heart rhythm. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct the rescuer to either press the shock button or stand clear of the victim.
Who can use an AED
The device is practically fool proof in that it will not send a shock if there is any detectable heart beat. Even school children who are old enough to read could use the device. Training for AED is given with all American Red Cross CPR classes. All 50 states have AED Good Samaritan laws that protect laypersons.
Saving lives
The American Red Cross has constructed a Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival. The first step is early access to care, meaning calling 911 or another emergency number. The next step involves early cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. AED’s are involved in step three: early defibrillation. This is recognized as the most critical step in the chain. The final step is early advanced cardiac life support, as needed.
For more information on AED’s or the defective Medtronic defibrillators, contact the Medtronic lawsuit attorneys of Williams Kherkher at www.medtroniclawsuitattorney.com
By: Joseph Devine
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Posted in Critical Care