Choosing a Defibrillator AED, Guide, Building Design Tips, Sudden cardiac arrest advice
Choosing a Defibrillator AED for the Community Guide
29 Jun 2021
Automated External Defibrillators or AED can save a life before an emergency responder arrives. Consider the reliability the device has in saving lives; communities would be much better off having one at hand. An AED is used to analyze sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in emergencies. If needed, it can provide electrical shocks to the victim’s chest to re-establish the rhythm of the beating heart.
Choosing a Defibrillator AED Guide
You want to make sure you get the right AED for your school and community, Here are a few things you must consider when choosing a defibrillator:
● Functionalities
Functionalities indicate the features the AED has, and it varies from one device to another. It includes the number of steps one needs to perform before delivering the shock, ease of use, power usage, efficiency, etc. Some are manual, and some come with audio or graphic guides to give better shocks. Some also have practice modules to guide users in using the device. With all these, users can easily use the equipment when required.
● User Manual
A user manual is beneficial, however for use by the layman and so provides guidance for anyone to use in the event of an SCA. When an AED is not used, the survival rate falls by 10% per minute. That’s why it is essential to have an Automated External Defibrillator.
● Cost
Before finalizing which one to choose, you must look for other costs associated with other things. Consider the maintenance costs and price of AED accessories, replaceable parts, etc. For example, if it functions on a battery, how much will it cost to buy a new one if it gets spoiled. How much battery power does it consume? How effective are the pads of AED? Based on that, you must evaluate the price and then decide which one to purchase.
● Effective Resuscitation
Overall, when delivering CPR, rescuers must remember to perform chest compressions of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, compress to a depth of at least 5cm, fully release after each compression, minimise pauses and ventilate adequately (two breaths per thirty compressions). All of this combined greatly increases the chance of survival for someone suffering a SCA.
● The User
The great thing about a defibrillator is that they can be used by anybody and they don’t require training before use. Specifically designed for ease of use, defibrillators can be used by both a passer-by and a medically trained professional. But of course, having the CPR AED certification will not hurt.
To give some background about defibrillators, you can either opt for an automatic or semi-automatic. Both deliver the same level of care when someone has fallen ill however, one will deliver its shock without any additional interaction from the user whereas a semi-automatic defibrillator will alert you to push a button when a shock needs to be delivered.
In The End
When choosing an Automated External Defibrillator, consider the location and environment in which the defib machine will be held and seek advice. Most defibrillator suppliers provide information on on AEDs suitable for different environments a checklists for maintaining them.
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