Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the #1 cause of death in the U.S., taking more than 400,000 lives each year. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a specific four-step "Chain-of-Survival" for SCA. The hallmarks of this sequence which are well documented as dramatically increasing survival rates are:
- Early 911 Access
- Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Early Defibrillation with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and
- Early Advanced Life Support (ALS).
Survival is directly linked to the time interval between the SCA and the first AED shock delivered to the victim. Statistics validate that when shock is delivered within one minute, survival rates can increase eighteen fold from 5by relying on EMS only to respond) to levels as high as 90n some cases.
Time is THE most important element in saving an SCA victim. Even the best EMS systems have difficulty arriving "in time." They average 9-12 minutes which is often "too late." Lacrosse activity – on a field, in a gym or in transit by car/bus – is rarely within five minutes of EMS response, so AEDs offer a practical way to save more lives. Because they can be used by nearly anyone, widespread deployment in public places, including recreation fields and sporting events, gives SCA victims the best chance of survival.
Who can operate an AED?
Trained clinicians use manual defibrillators. The relatively untrained can use an AED. Today’s AED analyzes the victim's condition and (only if warranted) delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore patient’s heart rhythm.
It’s worth repeating: AEDs ONLY provide a shock if the victim’s heart rhythm meets SCA characteristics (no pulse, the inability to breathe and unconscious). So AEDs help those in that unique situation – and only provide therapy (or "shock") if the patient requires it.
A HeartSine® AED from ThePortbleER.com, in particular, is popular for its fully automatic operation. There are clear vocal instructions for CPR and AED use.
The unit is remarkably effective. A 2007 University of Pennsylvania study showed that adult volunteers with no prior CPR training were able to deliver CPR of a quality often similar to trained professionals when using an AED, with its appropriate, real-time CPR voice prompts.
Remember, getting an AED for your home or business can save lives. Even yours!