Considering that the likelihood of SURVIVING SUDDEN Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is between 6-10%, solely based on compressions and rescue breaths alone, an AED is absolutely essential to dramatically increase that SCA VICTIMS’ survival.
Gotta Defib the Vent Fib
– If an AED is used within 90 seconds from when the Cardiac Arrest occurs, that victim will have at least a 50% chance of survival.
Cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) occurs when electrical impulses in the heart don’t work properly. The arrhythmia that is associated with cardiac arrest is Ventricular Fibrillation / V-fib / VF. The hearts electrical impulses are disorganized making the heart quiver uselessly.
The following are possible signs of an impending onset of cardiac arrest: Dizziness, nausea, pain in the chest, Tachycardia, or accelerated heartbeat of 100 beats per minute of higher and palpitations. However, the majority of all cardiac arrest occurs with little to no signs with the SCA victim immediately collapsing.
The following are possible causes of SCA: Previous heart attacks (Myocardial Infarction), cardiomyopathy, the absence of breathing, electrocution, drug toxicity and Sepsis (severe body infection)
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) – You stand a 27% chance of locating an AED. AEDs are located in public places such as Airports, City, State and Federal buildings, Recreation centers, casinos, some churches, gyms, Dental offices, All Minor Emergency
Clinics and Public and Private schools. Daycare centers are not required to provide an AED.
If an AED can be located and used within 90 seconds, the likelihood of surviving cardiac arrest dramatically is increased to at least 50%.
Similar to calling 911 and listening to the 911 operators’ instructions – Turn the AED on and simply follow the AED’s prompts/instructions.
For every minute that CPR and the use of an AED is delayed the Cardiac Arrest victim’s chance of surviving drops by up to 10% for every minute.
On average, the life of a typical lithium battery in an AED will last about 4-7 years. All AED’s will have an indicator reflecting that the AED battery is operational such as an intermittent green or red light, a check mark or an OK indicator. AED’S should be within 1.5 minutes from any potential cardiac arrest victim.
All AEDs should have the following additional items: A mouth barrier, scissors, non-latex gloves, sanitizing wipes, two 4×4 gauze pads and preferably two razors.
Similar to a fire extinguisher and a smoke alarm, it is recommended that an AED be replaced every 10 years. AED pads should be replaced every 18-30 months (expiration date is listed).