AED is an abbreviation for Automated External Defibrillator. An AED is a small medical device that is used to restore a normal heart rhythm. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which is frequently misdiagnosed as a heart attack disrupts heart beat regularities. The majority of SCA occurrences arise when a person's heart begins to beat in a pattern known as ventricular fibrillation (V-fib). Instead of contracting and relaxing to pump blood across the body, the heart quivers very quickly.

The person will not have a pulse and blood flow to important organs, including the brain, will cease. If the heart does not reestablish a normal rhythm, death will ensue within a few minutes. For patients suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, an AED might mean the difference between life and death. Although chest compressions can assist in the circulation of blood throughout the body, quick defibrillation using an AED is required to prevent Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).

AEDs Save Lives in Emergency Situations

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is now a main cause of death worldwide. Every year, over 400,000 people in the United States and Canada die as a result of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Almost 90% of them do not survive. When SCA occurs in a public setting where an AED is readily available, people have a better chance of survival.

For patients suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, an AED might mean the difference between life and death. Although chest compressions help circulate blood throughout the body. Defibrillation with an AED is required immediately. Immediate CPR and defibrillation within 3-5 minutes improve the chances of survival and recovery.

People who do not have a pulse as a result of SCA are unable to wait for EMS. According to one study, it takes an average of 7 minutes for EMS to reach the scene of a medical emergency. Rural places have greater response times due to longer travel lengths. In remote locations, it can take up to 30 minutes or more for EMS to arrive. If a person with SCA does not receive prompt CPR and defibrillation from bystanders, he or she has essentially no chance of survival.

Cardiac Arrest Can Occur Suddenly without Signs

Many people have no symptoms prior to experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). It can happen to anyone, at any moment, and at any age. People with a history of heart disease or a history of heart attacks are at a higher risk of SCA, although it can also happen to healthy people. Even if no previous symptoms exist, inherited heart problems can produce a sudden electrical disruption of the heart rhythm. Although physical fitness and regular exercise can lower the risk of a heart attack, SCA can still occur in young people and sportsmen.

AEDs Are Easy To Use Without Training

CPR training teaches people how to use AEDs. People without medical Training can use Modern AED. This means there is no need for any further qualification or authorization. AEDs give users voice instructions to help them through each step of defibrillation. Using electrode pads on the chest, special software inside the AED analyzes the person's heart rhythm. The user does not have to choose whether or not to shock the person's heart. If a rhythm such as V-fib is recognized, the AED will only deliver a shock to the person's heart. If the person's heart rate is not shockable, the AED will display "No Shock Advised" and instruct the operator to resume CPR.

Good Samaritan Laws Protect Rescuers 

Some people may hesitate to start CPR and use an AED because they are afraid of being sued. Good Samaritan Laws have been enacted in all U.S. states to protect bystanders and healthcare professionals from lawsuits after providing emergency medical assistance. This includes providing CPR and defibrillation with an AED. The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA) was also enacted at the federal level to provide further protection for rescuers. These laws encourage people to perform CPR and use AEDs when SCA occurs outside of a hospital.  

Who should buy an AED? 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest can strike anyone at any age, at any moment. AEDs are defibrillators that are simple to use and can be the difference between life and death. To use an AED and prevent Sudden Cardiac Death, you do not need to be a medical practitioner. While waiting for EMS, you or anyone nearby can use an AED to provide a defibrillation shock. You can rest easy knowing that you have an AED on hand to save someone's life. AED should be placed in AED cabinets to protect the AED from vandalism and to be easily located.

AEDs Should Be Located In All Public Access Areas Including:

-Schools

-Health And Fitness Facilities

-Stores And Shopping Malls

-Swimming Pools

-Airports

-Offices

-Public Transportation

-DiaMedical Is Here To Help You

Medical emergencies are unforeseeable and can be severe. Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen anywhere. SCA requires Defibrillation and CPR. DiaMedical USA is proud to offer a variety of AEDs for all types of organizations and locations. For more information on purchasing AEDs, reach out to a DiaMedical USA expert at 877-593-6011 or info@diamedicalusa.com 

Fast AED Facts

-AEDs can be used on adults, children, and infants

-Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is present in almost 90% of cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The only way to restore a regular heart rhythm is with a defibrillator. 

-Defibrillation with an AED greatly increases the survival rate after SCA