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1. What is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

Automated External Defibrillators (also called Automatic External Defibrillators, AED Defibrillators, or simply AED's), are small, lightweight devices that look at a person's heart rhythm using special pads placed on the torso. AED's can detect Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) - which is most commonly known as "Sudden Cardiac Arrest" (SCA) - and are designed to be used by lay rescuers or "first responders". AED's will alert the rescuers if SCA is present, and will instruct them through simple, easy-to-follow steps to defibrillate the victim.

2. What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest or SCA is the stopping of the heart at an unexpected moment.  It can happen to anyone, at anytime, and at any age.   This is a life threatening event but it does not have to result in "sudden death." When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, most victims have an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). When the heart is in this state, it cannot beat in a coordinated fashion and blood does not circulate to the heart and the brain. First, the heart stops. Then, breathing stops. The victim loses consciousness, collapses and appears lifeless.  The heart must be "shocked" out of this state immediately for life to continue.

3. What is the treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

The national average of surviving a Sudden Cardiac Arrest outside the hospital is 5-7%!  The only treatment for SCA is an immediate "shock" or what's called defibrillation. With each minute that passes before the victim is "shocked" the chance of survival is less.  In an ideal situation a defibrillator should be placed on the victim within 1-3 minutes after there are no signs of life. This increases the odds of survival to 80-90%.  The average time it takes paramedics to arrive at your home or work could be as much as 6 to 10 minutes.  This may be too late.

4. Are there any signs of SCD (Sudden Cardiac Death)?

No, and sadly enough the first sign of heart problems in most men is sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) claims more than 350,000 lives each year, primarily because lifesaving treatment, that is, early defibrillation, does not reach the victims within the first critical minutes.

According to the American Heart Association, SCA is one of the leading causes of death in North America.  Every year, it claims more than 400,000 lives.  Research has shown that AED Defibrillators can increase survival rates as much as 90%.

5. Who can use an AED?

Anyone, even children 11 years of age and up can be trained to use an AED.

6. Does the AED take the place of CPR?

No. The AED Defibrillator is part of CPR. For maximum benefits (that is, best chance of survival) you must use the two tools together!

7. Can I hurt someone with an AED?

No, there are two things to remember here:

AEDs will not shock someone who does not need to be shocked. It’s that simple. - A victim of SCA is essentially dead. Early defibrillation represents that person’s only chance for survival.

8. What about using AED’s on metal or wet surfaces?

Always check with the manufacturer, but most AEDs can be safely used in wet environments and on metal surfaces with no risk to the victim or rescuer because they are self-grounded devices.

 

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