Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a prevalent healthcare problem affecting an estimated 500,000 people annually. Imagine if one of those 500,000 was your loved one. Naturally, you would want the fastest and most effective opportunity to save their lives. This is why the installation of AEDs in all public places is essential.
When it comes to life-or-death situations such as cardiac arrest, AEDs devices are essential tools. While CPR has also proven highly effective in saving a life, There are instances where CPR may not be enough for a full recovery. In such cases, AED can help that person to get a second chance.
To understand why we need AEDs in all public places, we should know what AEDs are and how it works.
What are AEDs?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a hand-held and lightweight device that plays a vital role in emergencies. It gives an electrical shock to the heart through the chest when it detects an abnormal heart rhythm and effectively changes it to a normal rhythm.
AEDs are specifically designed to help people with sudden cardiac arrest. This occurs when the victim’s heart’s natural electrical system malfunctions. If not treated within minutes, cardiac arrest can swiftly lead to death.
How does AED work?
AED uses a combination of voice prompts, lights, and text to guide the rescuer through the necessary steps. AEDs equipped with two sets of pads: adult pads and child pads. When performing CPR, anyone aged 1 year or older who has not yet undergone puberty is considered a child. However, use adult pads for individuals aged 8 years or older regarding defibrillation.
Here are the steps to take when using an AED:
- Turn on the AED and carefully follow the voice prompt provided.
- Removing any clothing covering the chest area. If necessary, wipe the chest dry.
- Remove the backing from the pads and attach them to the person’s bare chest following the illustration on the pads.
- Connect the pads to the AED using the connector, if necessary.
- The AED will analyze to determine if the person needs a shock, and it will automatically give one or provide instruction on when to give one. While the AED is analyzing, ensure that no one touches the person.
- If no shock is needed, resume performing CPR. However, If shock is necessary, ensure that no one touches the person and press the designated shock button, then immediately resume CPR.
- Continue administering CPR until the emergency medical personnel arrive.
Learn More about How to Use an Automated External Defibrillator.
AEDs in Different Important Places
AEDs in High-Traffic Areas
Having AEDs in high-traffic areas is essential for a sudden cardiac emergency. Some examples of high-traffic locations are different businesses or institutions including healthcare, hotels, shopping malls, schools, airports, train stations, sports stadiums, and concerts. Installing AEDs in these areas helps to create a safe environment for visitors and employees alike emergency medicine such as prompt defibrillation can significantly improve survival rates.
AEDs in Healthcare
AEDs are essential in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. These locations often witness cardiac emergencies, as patients with pre-existing heart conditions or those undergoing medical treatments may experience sudden cardiac arrest. Having AEDs readily available ensures that healthcare professionals can respond promptly, increasing the chances of survival for patients needing immediate defibrillation.
AEDs in Hotels
Hotels accommodate many guests who may be at risk of experiencing cardiac emergencies. Installing AEDs in specific locations in hotels, especially in common areas like lobbies, fitness centers, or conference rooms, allows staff and guests to respond quickly in case of sudden cardiac arrest. Since emergencies can happen anytime, having AEDs in hotels can significantly improve the likelihood of a positive outcome.
AEDs in Restaurants
Restaurants often have a bustling environment with customers of different age groups. Cardiac emergencies can occur without warning, and having AEDs readily accessible in restaurants can be life-saving. Restaurant staff can quickly retrieve and use an AED if a patron or employee experiences sudden cardiac arrest and save lives by providing immediate intervention until emergency medical services and professionals arrive.
AEDs in Retail Stores
Retail stores, shopping malls, and supermarkets attract large crowds of shoppers daily. AED placement in these public spaces is crucial as cardiac emergencies can affect anyone, including customers, employees, or individuals passing by. Placing AEDs near entrances, customer service areas, or other easily identifiable locations ensures swift access to these life-saving devices.
AEDs in Transportation Facilities
Transportation facilities such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals cater to many travelers. These bustling hubs create an environment where serious cardiac arrests and emergencies can occur. Installing AEDs in easily accessible locations within transportation facilities can provide immediate assistance to travelers or employees experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival until professional medical help arrives.
AEDs in Fitness Centers
Fitness centers, gyms, and sports complexes are locations where physical exertion and strenuous activities occur. These activities sometimes trigger cardiac events, making public access to AEDs an essential safety measure. Placing AEDs strategically throughout fitness centers ensures that staff and individuals engaging in exercise have rapid access to life-saving interventions during emergencies.
AEDs in Schools and Sports
Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, witness the presence of students, teachers, and staff members who may experience sudden cardiac arrest. Similarly, sports venues where athletes engage in high-intensity activities also pose a risk of cardiac emergencies. Equipping schools and sports facilities with AEDs ensures that responders have a prompt response to cardiac events, safeguarding the well-being of students, athletes, and personnel.
AEDs in Home
Family members with a history of heart disease or older members are particularly vulnerable to cardiac arrest. Children are most susceptible to choking, which can sometimes lead to unconsciousness or a loss of pulse. Therefore, Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, coupled with the knowledge to operate an AED, can be life-saving for your loved ones. Having an AED on standby at home offers an added layer of assurance that can potentially save the lives of your beloved family members. The two best AEDs recommended for home use by our experts are the ZOLL AED Plus and the LIFEPAK CR2. They are user-friendly, portable, and equipped with the latest technology.
Best AEDs for Public Places
HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P/360P, Heartsine 450p, and Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AED are the best AED Devices for outdoor and public places. Both AED Devices are built to withstand harsh environments and come moisture and dust-proof.
Heart Start CPR offers the best Public Places AEDs for Sale. Contact us for special Pricing.
Tips and Recommendations
- When positioning AEDs in public areas, it is essential to select locations that are easily identifiable and accessible.
- Use clear and visible signage with recognizable symbols and text to indicate the presence of AED. This helps quickly locate the device during a cardiac emergency.
- Regular maintenance of AED is required in public areas to ensure they are in proper working condition. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance, battery replacements, and the date of AED pads.
- Check regularly to verify that the AED is functioning correctly.
- Provide training sessions to educate staff, employees, security personnel, and volunteers to enhance preparedness and promote confident response during emergencies.
Related Post: AED Placement for Infants and Young Children
Training to Use AEDs
AEDs can be easily accessed, but training on using AEDs is highly recommended. Heart Start CPR provides this CPR and AED-related training program. These courses teach how to recognize signs of unexpected cardiac arrest. If necessary, dial 911 immediately. Call the emergency number to get assistance if there is one nearby. If the patient has a sudden cardiac arrest, it may take the operator to explain the steps.
Also read: 5 Importance of CPR
