There is no price to human life. No matter what one’s race, beliefs, gender, or social status is, if that person needs saving, then those around him would need to exert some effort. Fortunately, in today’s world, such effort need not be much. With the advent of technology, such devices as the AED, or the Automated External Defibrillator, can be used in order to revive an unconscious person,
The AED is a portable electronic device used by paramedics as well as a number of first aiders in order to normalize the rhythm of a person’s heart. It typically comes into play in cases involving cardiac arrhythmia of ventricular fibrillation as well as in cases involving ventricular tachycardia. An AED is typically no larger than a standard notebook. In some, it has a wide screen that allows for monitoring of the patient’s heart. There are also those that provide both visual and audio prompt in order to help a bystander administer CPR as well as make us of the device even if they have no prior knowledge of how to do so. But, just how important is an AED in the workplace?
It is a known fact that cardiac arrest can occur at anytime, any place, and to anyone. What’s alarming about this condition is the fact that it does not show any warning sign or symptom as opposed to heart attack. What typically happens is that the patient just suddenly falls unconscious. That being the case, it is therefore important that there is someone around who knows how to administer CPR. Unfortunately, someone who happens to know CPR being at the right place and at the right time might seem like a stretch. In real life, there is a greater possibility that no one around would be able to administer CPR in time. This is where the importance of having an AED unit available becomes even more pronounced.
AED units typically come in various designs. There are those that have both audio and visual prompts that allow the user to use the unit without breaking a sweat. Oftentimes, the AED units also give out instructions on how to perform CPR. With this, even those who have not had any formal training when it comes to administering CPR. What’s more, there are models of AED that can give out accurate reports of the heart’s condition. These reports can then help the paramedics make the right call when it comes to handling the unconscious patient. It can also help medical professionals figure out what medical condition the patient might have.
Although AEDs are easy to use, one must, however, keep in mind that its primary purpose is to administer electrical jolts. That being the case, certain precautions need to be taken before the AED can be used. For instance, the patient must be on a flat surface and far from a water source.
If you would like to come up with an AED program in your workplace, Citywide CPR can help you with your AED program management.
