My Healthy Heart Blogs
AEDs Can Save Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims
09/16/08
Disease Basics
When someone goes into cardiac arrest, meaning the heart stops beating, the chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent for every minute that passes without the heart being restarted.
An abnormal heart rhythm often signals fibrillation, a condition in which the heart twitches ineffectively and cannot pump blood.
An automated electronic defibrillator (AED) is a small device that assesses a person’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, administers an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm to someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Using an AED is simple. Electrodes are affixed to the patient and the defibrillator analyzes the patient’s condition. If shock is needed, the AED gives a voice prompt, the operator responds and electrical current is delivered. Most AEDs are designed to be used by people without medical training, although CPR training by a recognized authority is strongly recommended. This training includes use of the AED.
AEDs do not treat all kinds of cardiac failure. The machine only treats a heart in ventricular fibrillation. The victim also needs breathing help which is where CPR comes in.
Many gyms, supermarkets, airports, and other public places now have AEDs. Since every second counts, having the machine on hand makes a huge difference to cardiac arrest victims.
Some people may be reluctant to use an AED fearing a lawsuit if something goes amiss. That should not be a worry; in 2002, President Clinton signed the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA) which provides protection against users and owners of AEDs. In addition, all 50 states have a Good Samaritan Law which provides civil immunity. To find out about CPR and AED training, contact the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
Mari S. Gold is has written for The New York Times, American Profile, Relish Magazine, TravelSmart, Indianapolis Monthly, and numerous e-zines. An avid cook and foodie, she contributes restaurant reviews to Zagat Guides and The Vermont News Guide, and is working on a young adult novel with a food theme. Married with grown children and two cats, she divides her time between New York City where she is director of communications for a major health care organization, and Dorset, Vermont.
