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The Cardiac Chain of Survival
Early Defibrillation
Defibrillation is administered by automated external defibrillators (AED’s) to victims of cardiac arrest who present with shockable cardiac rhythms. The heart can go in a number of irregular rhythms, but the two that are the most lethal are ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach) and ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib). The AED is a small computerized device that is programmed to shock V-Fib or V-Tach and nothing else. The AED is most effective within 3 to 5 minutes and the chances of successful defibrillation diminish about 10% every minute. This makes the AED an important device for schools and other public places. If it takes an ambulance longer then a few minutes to arrive, there is almost not chance of survival for the cardiac arrest victim. More defibrillators in the community mean more accessibility to life saving treatment for cardiac arrest victims. People should not use and AED unless they have been trained to do so. Increasing AED’s in public places also means that more training will be needed, which is a good thing. I cannot think of anyone who wouldn’t be helped by proper training. The more that are trained the better. Most CPR training programs include defibrillator training in the class.
There are some people who have gone as far as purchasing an AED for their home. The price varies from around $800.00 to $3000.00 and up, depending on what it is that you want. I couldn’t argue with anyone having an AED for their home, but don’t necessarily think that everyone needs to run out and buy one today. If you have a family member who is a high risk for a heart attack or one that has a history of health problem, then it may be more applicable for you then for a family that isn’t really in a risk category and has not health problems. This however is my own personal opinion and not a medical recommendation. If defibrillation is administered to a victim that needs it within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest then chances of survival are good, especially when it is combined with effective CPR and a rapid response by EMS. Defibrillation is the only known way to change a lethal cardiac rhythm and get the heart working correctly (aside from miracles). The future of AED’s is very promising given their effectiveness. In a few short years I would imagine they will be as common as fire extinguishers, and that’s good news for cardiac arrest victims and their families.
Vital Ethics Inc. Providing American Red Cross, American Heart Association (AHA), and American Health and Safety Institute Certification. Instructors available on site Advanced Courses ACLS PALS Provider Classes, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider, Online Certification Renewal and Recertification Courses ECG, EKG Basic Courses BLS Classes and Courses CPR AED First Aid Certification Classes, Health Care Provider BLS CPR for the Professional Rescuer Online CPR, Adult Child Infant CPR and First Aid Basic, Pediatric First Aid, Automated External Defibrillators Programs, Blood Borne Pathogens, Preventing Disease Transmission Certification Courses Practice Exams and Quizzes, Online Quiz and Test Preparation Online Continuing Education and CEU's. Practice Exams, Pre-Test and Quizzes, Online Quiz and Test Preparation Training For EMT's, Paramedic's, Nursing Students, Nurse's Physician's, First Responders, Day Care, Child Care Foster Care Training, Policy Guidelines, Algorithms Protocols, Workplace Safety & Health Programs Occupational Training, OSHA Construction & Industrial certification, Emergency Medical Instructor Course, Instructors
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