Sudden Cardiac Arrest claims more
than 295,000 lives a year in the US[1].Ninety-five percent (95%) of the people who experience sudden cardiac
arrest die from it – often within minutes.Sudden cardiac arrest is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm.The abnormal heart rhythm inhibits the flow
of blood to the brain and other vital organs.With each passing minute a person’s chance of surviving an arrest
diminishes by 10%.An AED can be used to
administer a shock and restore a heart to normal rhythm.The prompt use of an AED can increase
survival from Sudden Cardiac Arrest to over 90%[2].When trained personnel are available they
should of course oversee the use of an AED, however, when they are not
available, AEDs can be easily used by untrained persons.AEDs are “automated” and simple to use. They
are designed to automatically provide clear and simple life-saving audio
instructions, which will guide an untrained person in their use.In mock cardiac arrest trials, untrained
sixth-grade children were able to effectively use AEDs without difficulty[3].
The links below to National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute’s web site describes automated external
defibrillators, their purpose and use.
CPR is an effective first aid
technique that is useful in many emergencies including cardiac arrest. CPR training is highly recommended for
everyone.CPR training usually includes
AED training.It is likely that you have
seen enactments of CPR use and have some understand of CPR.American Heart Association advises that
persons who are untrained in CPR should administer hands only chest
compressions at the rate of about 100 compression per minute to someone who is
not breathing and unresponsive.For
additional information provided by the Mayo Clinic see
