An automatic external defibrillator is used in cases of life threatening irregular heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias) which can led to cardiac arrest. An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient and treats them through defibrillation — the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
An AED is external because the operator applies the electrode pads to the bare chest of the victim. When the unit is turned on and opened, the AED instructs the user to connect the electrodes (pads) to the patient. Once the pads are attached, everyone should avoid touching the patient so as to avoid false readings by the unit. The pads allow the AED to examine the electrical output from the heart and determine if the patient is in a shockable rhythm. If the device determines that a shock is warranted, it will use the battery to charge its internal capacitor in preparation for to deliver the shock. When charged, the device instructs the user to ensure no one is touching the victim and then to press a button to deliver the shock. Depending on the manufacturer and particular AED model being used, after the shock is delivered most devices will analyze the victim and either instruct that CPR be given, or administer another shock. AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layman. To learn CPR properly, take an accredited first-aid training course, including CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
Having more people who can respond to medical emergencies and trained to use AEDs will greatly increase survival rates for people in sudden cardiac arrest. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, when a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, chances of survival decrease by 7-10 percent for each minute that passes without defibrillation. A victim’s best chance for survival is when there is revival within the first four minutes.
The location of a public access AED should take into account where large groups of people gather, regardless of age or activity. Children as well as adults may fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest. Some common locations of AEDs include corporate or government offices, shopping malls, airports, hotels, sports stadiums, schools and universities, fitness centers, casinos, etc.
Many local communities are forming Public Access Defibrillation Programs (PAD) in South Dakota. The purpose of the PAD is to increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by increasing the availability of AED devices and empowering people to use them through AED/CPR training and education. Saving lives is the focus.
One such program involves St. Mary’s Foundation and the manufacturer Phillips who have teamed up to start a Public Access Defibrillation Program in central South Dakota.
