Knowing the importance of an automated external defibrillator, it is just necessary for everyone, especially the users, to know some commonly encountered AED terms. In this way, you would be able to understand more the corresponding functionalities of the device you have and you would also be able to make more careful and wiser decisions regarding the use of it. But first, you have to understand first what is an AED. Basically, this electronic and computer-based medical device is used to deliver the necessary electric shock to the patient’s malfunctioning heart in order to resume its normal operation. This is also used to prevent losing the patient’s life while his brain tissues don’t receive oxygenated blood because of such cardiovascular irregularity.
Included to the most basic terms regarding AEDs is the ECG, which is short for electrocardiogram. This term simply refers to the cardiac test that is used to determine the patient’s heart rhythm and heartbeat rate. It is also used to find out whether a person is suffering from certain a heart disease. An ECG display is usually included in the basic features of an AED. Moreover, another commonly used term regarding AEDs is the Biphasic Waveform. It basically refers to the shock type, which decreases the required energy for successful use of the AED. This is important in minimizing risks of burns and myocardial damage to the patient when the device is being used.
MSRP and MAP are common AED terms as well. These are not so hard to understand because MSRP is simply the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price while MAP is the Minimum Advertised Price. These two are the distributors needed in advertising AED prices. Adding to that is the term pediatric capability. This is the feature that when activated, allows safe use of the device for children who are 8 years old, weighing not more than 55 pounds. There is also the term IP Rating, which stands for Ingress Protection Rating. It is the parameter that determines the type and level of protection provided for the device against various foreign solid and liquid substance intrusions.
Of course, there is the term CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation that is oftentimes associated with AED. CPR is primarily defined as an immediate medical practice given to a person experiencing seizure or in a state of unconsciousness as a result of cardiac arrest, other critical heart conditions, severe injury, and several other situations. It mainly involves external chest compressions (about 1 to 1/2 inches deep) repeatedly at a rate of more or less 100 presses per minute. The purpose of applying CPR is mostly the same with using an AED to a patient – to prolong the death of brain tissues while the heart can’t pump blood or regain its normal operation and to provide breathing to the patient.
To know more about AED Program Management and AED Medical Oversight, you can check out citywidecpr.com. This is the online site where you can also get yourself into comprehensive AED Program Management and AED Medical Oversight training courses fast and easy.
