Automated External Defibrillators

Late in 2004, the FDA approved the first over the counter AED for home use. This means that the general public does not need a prescription to purchase it. The only AED currently approved for home use is the Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator. There are many other models available for purchase, but a prescription is required. Most organizations that sell different models of AED’s have in house physicians to write a prescription when needed. So if you are not excited about the Philips HeartStart, there are plenty of choices to choose from.

When turned on, the AED offers step by step voice instructions to guide you through the process. It literally tells you what to do and eliminates much of the decision making process for the operator. Please note that automated external defibrillators are for use on victims of cardiac arrest, and should not be applied to someone who is breathing or is conscious. Another benefit to the device is that it will not shock anyone who does not need it. The AED is looking only for specific cardiac abnormalities that are lethal if they go untreated. Many cardiac arrest victims are candidates for defibrillation, but some of them are not. The AED can and does recognize the difference between the two.

Clinical trials remain underway studying the in home use of AED’s. It expected that the result will be positive. There isn’t a specific criteria listing whether or not an AED is appropriate for your home. This should be considered on and individual basis and after consultation with a physician. Because it is considered part of the standard of care for victims of SCA (sudden cardiac arrest), and it is so effective, I would expect that companies and organizations will be taking a closer look at the AED in the near future. It is very simple to use and makes responding to victims of SCA so much easier and manageable, not to mention that it increases the victim’s chance of survival significantly.

Organizations should explore all options available to them and consider whether or not they are providing the current industry standard of care for those who are injured or ill on the job and in the community. The current research and data is clear that AED’s save lives if applied in a timely manner and that they are extremely easy to use. It is also clear that having an AED accessible within a few minutes is more effective then only performing CPR until emergency crews arrive.

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