Automatic External Defribrillators

Posted by on October 5, 2009 · Leave a Comment 

By: Johnny Duncan

One day before his 49th birthday, Barry Lowden collapsed as he made his way to work. As he walked past the security gates, he clutched his chest, gasped for breath, and fell to the ground. Seeing Barry begin to turn blue, the security guard at the gate grabbed the company’s newly installed automated external defibrillator (AED) and within seconds, was able to revive Barry.

Every day, nearly 1,000 Americans suffer a heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest. A study by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that SCA results in about 10,000 workplace deaths every year. Most of the time, heart attacks don’t occur in a hospital, where the right equipment to respond is nearby. In fact, the survival rate for people experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest anywhere outside a hospital is only 1%-5%. The main reason for this poor resuscitation rate is that for every minute the victim isn’t treated with a defibrillator, the chance of being revived drops by about 10%. Portable AEDs can truly make a difference.

Most cardiac arrests are due to abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. A rhythm that requires shocking, or ventricular fibrillation (VF), is an abnormal heart rhythm often seen during a heart attack. This rhythm is caused by an abnormal and very fast electrical activity in the heart. VF is chaotic and unorganized. Think of last year’s Miami Dolphins. The team was working really hard, but not getting anywhere. That is the state of the heart in VF — the heart just quivers and cannot effectively pump blood. VF will deteriorate to asystole (a flat line) if not treated quickly, resulting in a death.

A shock delivered within two minutes of cardiac arrest will likely be successful at restoring circulation in nearly 75% of all victims. The AED will deliver a shock to a patient if, and only if, the patient is in fact in ventricular fibrillation, making the use of these life-saving devices very simple and safe. According to the American Red Cross, when used with CPR, AEDs have increased survival rates in cardiac arrest victims by as much as 90% if used within one minute of collapse.

A federal law called the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act provided for AED funding and training for the states. The law also encourages private companies to purchase AEDs and to train employees in CPR and emergency defibrillation.

AEDs are easy to operate and use voice prompts to instruct the rescuer. In one mock situation, untrained 6th graders were able to use an AED without difficulty. Once the machine is turned on, the rescuer is prompted to apply two electrodes, provided with the AED, to the victim’s chest. Once applied, the AED will begin to monitor the victim’s heart rhythm. If a “shockable” rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct the rescuer to stand clear of the victim and to press the shock button.

Getting an AED for your workplace is easier than ever. They cost between $1,200 and $3,200, depending on the manufacturer. Most come with a five-year warranty. AED vendors will walk you through an assessment process, but in most cases, an AED requires a doctor’s prescription to obtain. While OSHA does not endorse products, the organization does recognize the effectiveness of AEDs in the workplace.

Implementing AEDs into your place of business makes good business sense and is easy to do. First, contact AED vendors for pricing and installation information. Then, contact your local emergency service provider to let them know you have an AED. They may be able to offer training classes for you and your team. Finally, develop written protocols for the use of AED and what to do in case of an emergency at your business. Who knows? The life saved may be your own.

Filed under Technology