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What is an Automated External Defibrillator? by Carlette Anderson of CPR Pros |
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What is an Automated External Defibrillator?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, lightweight device used to assess a person's heart rhythm. If necessary, it administers an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm in victims of sudden cardiac arrest. In September 2004, the Food and Drug Administration decided that consumers can buy the devices without a doctor's prescription. You will now see AED machines in theaters, sports arenas, public buildings, business offices, restaurants, airports, and other public places. When a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10 percent for each minute that passes without defibrillation. A victim's best chance for survival is when there is revival within 4 minutes. With an AED available countless lives can be saved. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, CPR will help keep oxygen flowing to the brain, but the electric shock of an AED vastly improves the chances of restarting the heart. AEDs can be used as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is still needed, starting with determining whether a person is unconscious, breathless, or pulseless.
AED's are very easy to use. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user
through the process.
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