Sudden cardiac arrest is something that can possibly happen to anyone. Regardless of age, gender or state of health, anyone is susceptible in having an abrupt stop to the heart rhythm. In order to get a clearer view on how serious the problem is, one can turn to the records regarding health diseases in the United States. As it turns out, there are approximately about 350,000 from 930,000 victims of heart disease suffer from cardiac arrest. Fortunately, experts have also found that about 90% of them could be saved with a quick application of AED.
Now more than ever, having an AED program in one place has become very vital. For the uninitiated, the device know as AED or automated external defibrillator is one that delivers an electric shock for a victim to regain their normal heart rhythm, ultimately saving their life in the process. In a sudden cardiac arrest episode, the victim suffers from an erratic heart rate that causes the blood circulation cease. In this situation, a trained individual can simply apply the AED program on the chest of the victim. The device will act to analyze the heart’s condition and brings back its rhythm to its normal state. If successful, the victim will be revived.
The organization that is dedicated in seeking a country that is free from heart diseases called the American Heart Association (AHA) supports the use of AED and hence, the implementation of an AED program for every public place in which a sudden cardiac arrest might suddenly transpire. According them, there is a possibility of saving up to a 100,000 cardiac arrest victims if only the right people are to undergo a comprehensive training on how to use the life-saving device. There is a truth in this statement, as experts say that with the use of AEDs a victim has up to about 49% increase in their chance for survival if they are administered with an AED.
Reaching the perceived number is unattainable though without having the fundamental rescue training that is required. This is why the American Heart Association (AHA) has decided to spread the importance of having an AED program. They actually lead the execution of the said programs and training in various places around the country.
The American Heart Association (AHA) is actually not alone in their pursuit as there are non-government organizations that also push the implementation of AED programs forward. One example is the American Red Cross which gives people access to both CPR and AED trainings, hoping that these people can learn how to face a situation wherein their quick response and decision-making is highly necessary. As a reward for completing their courses, the American Red Cross represents the enrollees as nationally recognized certified rescuers. This is a big deal since it entitles them to use the more advanced onsite AEDs. These devices are those used in an AED program of professionals such as police officers, firefighters and medical services. Using these, they can save lives more effectively.
