You never know when a heart attack could strike. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Sadly, heart disease is a big problem in Australia.
Every year, about 30,000 Australians have a heart attack outside of a hospital. And without help fast, the chances of survival are pretty slim—like only 10%. However, with an AED such as a Heartsine defibrillator, those odds can get a lot better.
What’s an AED?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that diagnoses life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Every minute counts during a cardiac arrest. When someone’s heart stops beating normally, their blood isn’t pumping oxygen to the rest of their body. Brain cells start dying after just a few minutes without oxygen.
An AED can restart a heart that’s gone into a chaotic rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. It does this by delivering a controlled electric shock, shocking the heart back into a normal rhythm.
Who Can Use an AED?
Now, an AED might sound like some fancy medical gizmo only trained professionals can use, but here’s the beauty – the best AEDs, Zoll defibrillators in particular, are designed for everyone, including you. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a medical school, you can potentially be the hero in a critical situation.
AEDs are built with the everyday person in mind, allowing you to step up and potentially save a life when it matters most.
AEDs are incredibly intuitive. When you turn it on, it’ll talk to you, guiding you every step of the way. It’ll tell you what to do, so it’s almost impossible to mess up. The AED itself checks the person’s heart and decides if it needs a shock.
You don’t have to guess anything. If a shock is needed, the AED will tell you to press a button to give the person a life-saving shock.
Don’t worry about accidentally shocking someone when you shouldn’t. AEDs are smart; they only shock when it’s absolutely necessary. This is why anyone can use an AED, not just doctors or paramedics. The machine does the hard part of figuring out the heart, so you don’t have to. All you do is follow its simple instructions.
It’s empowering, isn’t it? Knowing that in an emergency, you don’t have to stand by helplessly while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. You can actually play an active role in saving a life.
Also Read: The Benefits of Zoll AEDs: Reliable and User-Friendly Defibrillation Solutions
How Accessible are AEDs?
Studies show that using an AED within the first few minutes of SCA can drastically increase survival rates by up to 74%. That’s why it’s critical to ensure AEDs are easily accessible, and fortunately, Australia is stepping up in this regard. You’re more likely than ever to come across an AED in public places
You might find them at shopping centres, train stations, airports, sporting facilities, and even some workplaces. Basically, anywhere with decent foot traffic is a potential candidate for housing an AED.
This is based on the logic that the more people who frequent a location, the greater the chance that an SCA might occur there. Many local councils and community organisations have also taken the initiative to install AEDs in more remote or regional areas.
Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have been proactive in placing these life-saving devices in locations where large groups of people gather.
In some states, like New South Wales and Victoria, AEDs are even mandated to be available at certain venues. For example, many public swimming pools and gyms are required by law to have an AED on site.
Some states have even pushed for more comprehensive coverage of AEDs in regional and remote areas, where medical help can take longer to arrive.
There are also systems like the St John Defibrillator Register that help people find the nearest AED in an emergency.
Instructions on How to Use the AED
Here are the quick and easy steps involved in using an AED:
- Look around you to locate the nearest AED.
- Turn it on and follow the prompts. The device will talk you through the process. All you have to do is stay calm and listen carefully.
- As instructed, remove any wet clothing from the person’s chest.
- The AED will have sticky pads that you’ll need to place on the person’s bare chest, following the pictures on the device.
- Once the pads are on, the AED will analyse the heart rhythm. Don’t touch the person while the device is working its magic.
- If the AED detects a shockable rhythm, it will instruct you to step back and then deliver the shock automatically. Don’t worry, the device only shocks when absolutely necessary.
- If no shock is delivered, the AED will likely instruct you to begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Here’s where those first aid courses you might’ve taken come in handy!
- Continue following the prompts until help arrives, or the person starts showing signs of life.
How Many Times Can an AED Be Used?
You might be wondering if an AED can give someone more than one shock. The answer is yes!
When you use an AED on someone having a heart attack, it checks their heart and decides if it needs a shock. If it does, the AED will shock it.
After that, it keeps watching the heart and can give more shocks if needed. Many AEDs, like the Zoll and Heartsine defibrillators, can give several shocks in one emergency.
Most AEDs come with a set of disposable pads. These pads are good for multiple uses on the same person during a single resuscitation attempt. However, the exact number of uses can vary depending on the model. The AED itself is reusable and will typically last for several years with proper maintenance.
The pads and battery can wear out over time. Most AED pads last about 18 to 24 months. After that, the sticky part can start to break. The AED will usually tell you when the pads need replacing, so you don’t have to worry.
The battery also has a lifespan. Depending on the AED, it can last from two to five years. Many AEDs will show you if the battery is low, so you’ll know if there’s a problem.
Laws Regarding Using an AED on a Cardiac Arrest Victim
In terms of legal protection, Australia’s Good Samaritan Laws provide coverage for anyone who uses an AED in good faith during an emergency.
This means that even if you’re not a medical professional, you’re protected from legal liability as long as your intention is to help.
So, when you see an AED in a public place, you should feel confident that you can step in and make a difference without hesitation.
Comments are closed.