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Choosing an AED
Wednesday February 9, 2022
February is National Heart Health Month in the US. This month, headed by the American Heart Association, was designated in 2009 and has been observed each year since. The Association was founded in 1924 and has been making great scientific progress since then. The AHA funds many different research efforts and has been involved in many breakthroughs since its inception. For example, the AHA funded the first successful use of a defibrillator, pacemaker, and artificial heart valve. The AHA has invested $4.8 billion into research since 1949 and has helped reduce deaths from heart disease by 15% since 2018. The AHA wants to educate the public about healthy heart practices and reduce heart disease, strokes, and other heart-related complications.
Defibrillators
Invented in 1930, the defibrillator has been used as a treatment for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. The original defibrillator delivered a dose of electric current called a “counter-shock” to the heart. In successful uses, this electric current re-establishes normal rhythm. Modern defibrillators that we use today include units that “automate the diagnosis of treatable rhythms, meaning that lay responders or bystanders are able to use them successfully with little or no training.” (Wikipedia).
Defibrillator. MG*M-13112.
Implementing an AED Program
Currently, there are only 12 states in the US that require their K-12 schools to have an AED. There are also some health clubs and gyms that are mandated to have AEDs, but only in 14 states. Other than those mentioned, there aren’t requirements for most businesses to have an AED. The AHA recommends businesses implement AED programs to increase the chances of survival of those who suffer sudden cardiac arrest. Some steps may need to be taken including getting medical oversight, choosing an AED, getting training, and implementing a maintenance routine.
Choosing an AED
Picking the right AED for your situation will depend on a lot of factors including your budget and the size of your business. When choosing one, we recommend speaking to a medical professional to understand all your options. For more info on AED options, check out this AED Buyers Guide.
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