When the chance to save a life from cardiac arrest comes up,
will you be ready?
By
Jennifer Brown, Everyday Health Staff Writer
FRIDAY, May 17, 2013 — Cardiac arrest is a leading cause
of death in the U.S. and in the workplace today, but with simple training, you
can be ready to respond if someone needs your help. As a malfunction of the
heart’s electrical system, cardiac arrest is sometimes a complication of
ventricular fibrillation, and causes more than half of the deaths that result
from cardiovascular disease. Survival rates jump up
sharply from 5 percent to more than 80 percent when someone steps in
and quickly uses an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart the heart. To
encourage people to help others without the worry of litigation, Good Samaritan
laws protect those who intervene in an emergency in the U.S.
Here's what you need to know:
What is an AED?
An automated external
defibrillator (AED) is a small computerized medical device that analyzes a
person’s heart rhythm. The AED is programmed to detect the type of heart rhythm
which requires intervention. It includes simple instructions and automated
voice directions. Used by a trained operator outside of the hospital setting,
the AED gives an electrical shock called defibrillation to restart a person’s
heart, if needed. Using an AED within the first few minutes can reverse cardiac
arrest and saves lives.
How does an AED work?
An AED measures the
unresponsive person’s heart rhythm. The computerized device then selects and
delivers automated voice instructions to the rescuer, based on the heart
rhythm. The AED safely delivers an electric shock to the victim’s chest
that can reset normal heart rhythm at once. “It is essential that quick
defibrillation occur in order to save the patient’s life. With each
minute the patient is in ventricular fibrillation the likelihood of survival
goes down,” Kevin R. Campbell, MD, FACC, a cardiologist at UNC Health Care/Rex said. The
benefits to the patient are tremendous, he added, “AEDs change the survival
rate from less than 5 percent to more than 80 percent with quick
defibrillation.” With simple training, you can greatly change the person’s odds
of survival during cardiac arrest.
When do I use an AED?
Cardiac arrest can occur
anytime and anyplace without warning. During cardiac arrest, the person’s heart
beat becomes irregular and erratic — known as ventricular fibrillation — and
unless a shock is delivered, the patient will die. “Every minute that a patient
remains in the erratic heart rhythm, the likelihood of survival goes down
exponentially,” says Dr. Campbell. In his experience, heart attacks often occur
in the early morning hours when adrenaline and cortisol levels are at their
highest.
The operator of an AED must
be able to detect symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest. It is time to get an AED
if a person:
- Becomes unresponsive suddenly
- Stops breathing
- Does not respond when you tap on the shoulders firmly
- Does not respond when you ask, “Are you OK?”
- Does not take a breath when you tilt the head up
This is the emergency
situation where every minute counts, so call 911 and get an AED.
Where can I find an AED?
The American Heart Association encourages public access
to AEDs which should now be available wherever a large group congregates. Laws
differ by state, but many states require AEDs in public areas like schools,
health clubs, and sports stadiums. All emergency response vehicles are equipped
with AEDs. “I believe that every single public school in the country should
have an AED readily available,” said Campbell. It may be difficult to locate an
AED in an emergency, and so having these devices clearly marked at the worksite
and in public areas is essential. Ask where the AED is in your worksite today.
How can I get trained on
using an AED to save hearts and lives?
The American Heart
Association’s Heartsaver training on performing using an AED is
available online, with follow-up hands-on training with instructors. The American Red Cross provides live training and
certification for AED use in many communities. Training takes only a few hours
because an AED is simple to use and every device includes clear
directions. According to the Red Cross, training people to use AEDs and
providing ready access to them could save as many as 50,000 lives yearly. “I
think that everyone should be trained,” said Campbell.
Have you taken AED training
course? Please share your experiences with Everyday Health readers by adding a
comment in the box below the article.
