AED Basics
What is an AED and what does it do?
AED is short for automated external defibrillator. This medical device assists in
restoring the electrical activity of the heart when it is no longer functioning properly.
Most AED’s are powered by a NiCad battery that lasts around 5 years. It also has 2
pads that are placed on the chest, one goes top right side of the chest just under
the collar bone. The second pad is placed on the lower left side of the chest near
the bottom of the rib cage. If a person needs an electric “shock” the AED will instruct
the user to depress the shock button. There are a few AED’s on the market that will
automatically shock the victim without having to press a button.
What is medical Oversight/Medical Direction
In short, every time an AED is used, the case must be reviewed. The main purpose
for the review process is to give responders positive feedback and practical
suggestions for improvement. The review process also enables early identification
and adjustment of system and device problems, based on quality assurance or
continuous quality improvement principles. The review should include viewing of the
recorded ECG rhythm and AED actions, responder actions, and system performance.
Most states have passed regulations requiring medical direction/oversight. NJ has
such law.
Where can you find an AED?
AED's can be find anywhere. AED's are for your home, your work, public and
government buildings, airports, malls, supermarkets and athletic facilities.
When do you use an AED?
AED’s are used on people that have suffered a cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest is
when the electrical activity of the heart becomes abnormal and the heart no longer
pumps blood properly. Cardiac arrests can happen suddenly or from trauma and if
a person does not seek medical attention from having a heart attack.
Who can suffer a cardiac arrest?
Anybody. Over 350,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrests. Around
15% of them are under the age of 40; around 8% are under the age of 20.
Approximately 2% of the people that suffer from a cardiac arrest receive CPR and
treatment with an AED.
How do you treat a cardiac arrest?
When someone suffers from a cardiac arrest they need CPR to circulate blood
throughout the body and an AED to facilitate normal electrical activity of the heart.
Are they easy to use?
Yes they are. Although it is best to receive proper training before you use an AED.
Can you be sued if you help a person that has suffered a cardiac arrest?
“Good Samaritan” laws at both federal and state levels protect people that act in
good faith who are attempting to save another person’s life. To date there has not
been any judgments placed against an individual that was acting in good faith.
Check with your local and state regulations for the latest Good Samaritan laws.
If you have any questions concerning AED’s that was not covered here, please feel
free to contact us at Info@KmDMedical.com
AED is short for automated external defibrillator. This medical device assists in
restoring the electrical activity of the heart when it is no longer functioning properly.
Most AED’s are powered by a NiCad battery that lasts around 5 years. It also has 2
pads that are placed on the chest, one goes top right side of the chest just under
the collar bone. The second pad is placed on the lower left side of the chest near
the bottom of the rib cage. If a person needs an electric “shock” the AED will instruct
the user to depress the shock button. There are a few AED’s on the market that will
automatically shock the victim without having to press a button.
What is medical Oversight/Medical Direction
In short, every time an AED is used, the case must be reviewed. The main purpose
for the review process is to give responders positive feedback and practical
suggestions for improvement. The review process also enables early identification
and adjustment of system and device problems, based on quality assurance or
continuous quality improvement principles. The review should include viewing of the
recorded ECG rhythm and AED actions, responder actions, and system performance.
Most states have passed regulations requiring medical direction/oversight. NJ has
such law.
Where can you find an AED?
AED's can be find anywhere. AED's are for your home, your work, public and
government buildings, airports, malls, supermarkets and athletic facilities.
When do you use an AED?
AED’s are used on people that have suffered a cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest is
when the electrical activity of the heart becomes abnormal and the heart no longer
pumps blood properly. Cardiac arrests can happen suddenly or from trauma and if
a person does not seek medical attention from having a heart attack.
Who can suffer a cardiac arrest?
Anybody. Over 350,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrests. Around
15% of them are under the age of 40; around 8% are under the age of 20.
Approximately 2% of the people that suffer from a cardiac arrest receive CPR and
treatment with an AED.
How do you treat a cardiac arrest?
When someone suffers from a cardiac arrest they need CPR to circulate blood
throughout the body and an AED to facilitate normal electrical activity of the heart.
Are they easy to use?
Yes they are. Although it is best to receive proper training before you use an AED.
Can you be sued if you help a person that has suffered a cardiac arrest?
“Good Samaritan” laws at both federal and state levels protect people that act in
good faith who are attempting to save another person’s life. To date there has not
been any judgments placed against an individual that was acting in good faith.
Check with your local and state regulations for the latest Good Samaritan laws.
If you have any questions concerning AED’s that was not covered here, please feel
free to contact us at Info@KmDMedical.com
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AED Basics
| KmD Medical PO Box 2571 Flemington NJ 08822 (908)752-3601 |