AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR
(AED)
INCREASING THE SURVIVAL CHANCE
What is an Automated External Defibrillator?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a
portable automatic device used to restore normal heart rhythm to
patients in cardiac arrest.
An AED is applied outside the body. It automatically
analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm and advises the rescuer whether or
not a shock is needed to restore a normal heart beat. If the patient’s
heart resumes beating normally, the heart has been defibrillated.
An AED is used to treat cardiac arrest. It is a
life-saving device because cardiac arrest is a sudden condition that is
fatal if not treated within a few minutes. Heart attacks and other
conditions can cause ventricular fibrillation. In ventricular
fibrillation, the electrical signals in the lower part of the heart are
uncoordinated and ineffective. Very little blood is pumped from the
heart to the body or the lungs. If ventricular fibrillation is not
treated, it will result in Cardiac Arrest.
AEDs are smart devices and will not allow you to
shock a person whose heart does not need to be shocked.
Prompt use of an AED increases survival chances.
AED Facts
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If defibrillated within the first minute of
sudden cardiac arrest, survival chances are close to 90%.
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For every minute of delay in defibrillation,
survival chances decrease by 10%.
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If an AED is delayed by more than 10 minutes,
survival is less than 5%.
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An AED should be reachable within 90 seconds.
Maximum time for first shock is within 6 minutes.
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It is estimated that as many as 40,000 lives
could be saved annually with broad public access to defibrillators
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AEDs speak to you, instruct you in how to use the
device and perform CPR.
AED Manufacturers List and Websites:
There are many different AED manufacturers and their
prices vary. Following are links to their websites
