Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) is the most frequent initial rhythm in witnessed sudden cardiac arrest, and electrical defibrillation is the most effective treatment. Resuscitation success rates decrease by about 7 - 10% for every minute defibrillation is delayed. (Defibrillation is the delivery of a lifesaving pulse of electrical current to a heart in VF. Electricity is passed through the heart from electrodes placed on the chest.)
Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are hand-held devices which deliver a shock directly into the heart in order to restore a normal rhythm safely and simply. The AEDs provide clear, easy-to-follow voice instructions and a simple user interface to guide inexperienced users through an emergency.
Weighing just 3.3 lbs., this small and lightweight defibrillator can be easily carried to the patient’s side. Using clear, natural voice instructions, the AED guides caregivers through each step of defibrillation and CPR. Integrated pads placed on the patient’s bare skin transmit information to the defibrillator, which senses and adapts to the users actions every step of the way.
Using the AED is simple...power up the defibrillator to activate voice instructions. These instructions are paced to the user's actions through the entire process, from placing pads on the patient to delivering a defibrillation shock.
The AED determines if a shock is needed, based on its automated assessment of the victim's heart rhythm.
If a shock is needed, the defibrillator directs you to press the “Shock” button. The AED then delivers a dose of low-energy biphasic therapy, a highly effective defibrillation waveform that is also gentle to the heart.
If a shock is not needed, the AED instructs you to assess the patient and to perform CPR when necessary. While performing CPR, the defibrillator's voice instructions can be activated to coach on the frequency and depth of compressions. The AED also reminds you to call emergency medical services (EMS).
Did you know...
Through grant funding, the City of Temecula purchased seven Automated External Defibrillators to be placed in public facilities such as the Community Recreation Center (CRC), the Temecula Community Center (TCC), the Mary Phillips Senior Center, and the Police Storefront at the Promenade Mall.
Businesses, public institutions, schools, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to learn more about these life-saving devices and consider their purchase.
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