Choosing the Right AED | AED Authority

For someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) every minute counts. The rate of survival drops by 10% for every minute from collapse without intervention and after 5-6 minutes survival rate will hit 0%. Defibrillation is key to surviving SCA and if enacted within the first few minutes from collapse survival can be boosted to as high as 70%. The key to saving a life in this situation is knowing the steps and understanding the technology.

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What is an Automatic external defibrillator (AED)?

An Automatic external defibrillator (AED) is a device that delivers a set amount of electrical shock to the heart after it analyses heart rhythm. It determines whether a shock is required to the heart through adhesive electrode pads attached to the person’s chest. If an abnormal heartbeat is detected, the AED will shock to interrupt the abnormal rhythm of the heart giving the heart a chance to return to its normal pumping rhythm.

Put simply, an AED is a powerful, lifesaving device that should be accessible to everyone.

Why should every public space have an AED?

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without any warning to people of all ages, backgrounds and health status and without immediate defibrillation and CPR, cardiac arrest will result in death. SCA is one of the leading causes of death in Australia, having a Defibrillator at your workplace, public spaces and sporting fields can be the critical difference between a life lost and a life saved. With the average person spending 35% of their lifetime at work, it is essential that every workplace is equipped with the necessary resources to respond in an emergency. By choosing to equip your workplace with an AED you are ensuring readiness to save a life in an emergency. Choosing the right AED solution for your organisation is like selecting the best insurance plan. Both are things you need, but hope to never use, and each works best if you gather some important information at the start.

Using an AED does not require training but there are some factors to consider

It’s a common misconception that an AED requires medical training to use and therefore holds no use to a workplace that doesn’t have any trained professionals on board. However, this could not be further from the truth. An AED can be used by anyone as they all come with features that assist the user with CPR and using the device.

Not all AEDs were created equal

Although all AED models don’t require training to use, they do differ, so it is still worth considering the features when selecting the right AED. Things to consider vary depending on the workplace but they may include.

  • The size of the unit - Size and weight of your AED should depend on a few factors, such as storage space, is it being placed in an office environment, or is it mobile and being carried or transported by a staff member? Environment will also factor into your decision as the IP (International protocol) rating differs depending on what AED you purchase, the IP dictates the effect of foreign solid objects, dust, accidental contact and water to the AED.
  • Ease of use – although all AEDs are easy to use, some are more so than other. Features such as back lit buttons, the size, colour and location of the shock button and easy to follow diagrams on the AED help increase the ease of use. Today’s advanced models have verbal prompts to coach you through the resuscitation process. Some even provide chest compression depth feedback and can be plugged in to an advanced care professional’s system to give data from the time of the initial event to their arrival.
  • Automation – AEDs come in semi and fully automatic options. A semi-automatic AED requires a user to press a button manually to deliver the shock. A fully automatic AED shocks as necessary without any manual input.
  • Paediatric Capabilities – Certain environments where children are present will require an AED with a paediatric mode. When deciding on the right AED for your workplace keep in mind that some have a switch for ‘child mode’ while others require a change to paediatric pads or the insertion of a ‘key’ to be able to be safely used on young children.

Working through the above factors will help you know what to look for when selecting the right AED for your needs. Making sure that you are ready to help save a life.

Still need help? Contact AED Authority to speak to a professional.

Location: Australia

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