AEDs Improve Out-Of-Hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Businesses across America are installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to aid those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. Whether mandated by law or enacted by individual choice, installation of AEDs help save lives.

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AEDs Are Making A Difference

The facts are pretty stark. Every year more than 350,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and millions of deaths globally are attributed to SCA. Of those struck by SCA cardiac outside of a hospital setting, only around 7 percent survive. Survival rates are increasing as more places where people congregate, live, and work adopt AEDs.

AEDSCommunities that have prioritized AED installation and education have seen overall survival rates climb from the single digits to near 40 percent. It’s another swing that is hard to ignore, and more and more companies are getting the message.

The relaxation of state liability laws around the country has made adopting an AED less scary for businesses, even if they are not legally required to have one. Employee education and training also help remove some of the fear of AED usage.

Saving Time Means Saving Lives

For someone who is experiencing SCA, the biggest link in the chain of survival is how quickly care can be provided. Every minute lost waiting for EMS personnel to arrive can diminish a victim’s chance of survival. For every minute from the event that passes, the American Heart Association estimates that a person’s chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent.

When AEDs are present in public areas, community buildings, and businesses, everyone can do their part to help speed up the clock on someone receiving life-saving care.

Factors To Consider When Buying An AED

To help save a life, one should be trained in CPR and have access to a working AED. AEDs are effective, can be easily implemented, relatively inexpensive, and can be used by people who are not medical professionals. There are many factors to consider when looking to purchase an AED.

AEDThe cost of an AED

  • Some AEDs have a more affordable upfront cost, while others offer advanced features and are easy to maintain over time, providing a low cost of ownership.
  • Batteries will need to be replaced periodically. Depending on the model you choose, batteries can be purchased over the counter while others will need to be purchased directly from the manufacturer.
  • Economical brands require Electrode Pads to be replaced roughly every two years and come with two pieces, potentially making them difficult to use during a medical emergency. Other brands offer a one-piece design with an extended shelf life.

Quality CPR

  • The American Heart Association has determined standards on how fast and deep chest compressions should be performed for high-quality CPR. This can be intimidating for a lay rescuer. The best products on the market come equipped with real-time audio and text prompts that will guide the user to perform high quality CPR by offering feedback throughout the rescue, and alerts if and when a shock to the heart is needed.

Durability

  • Many AEDs on the market are portable, lightweight, easy to use, and can be used in extreme temperatures and various environments.

Maintaining AEDs

  • Keeping an AED ready to help save a life is critical. For businesses that have multiple AEDs, many have found that having a partner to help with maintenance is critical to the effectiveness of owning an AED and peace of mind.
  • An AED program management can help with placement, implantation, set-up, CPR training, and maintenance alerts.
  • Program management can also help businesses manage their AEDs through web-based interactive technology. Early expiration alerts, CPR certification renewal, and reminders can help keep businesses and AEDs ready to help save a life at a moment’s notice.

The benefits of implementing an AED in your company are clear and simple. If you’re ready to update your medical emergency response plan, contact an AED specialist.


1 COMMENT

  1. Thanks for explaining that waiting for EMS to arrive decreases a victim’s chance of survival. Lately I’ve been worried about my husband’s health as he gets older. Maybe I’ll look into buying an AED so I can have peace of mind.

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