Everyone wants to be safe - everywhere; particularly the places where we spend the most time: at work, at home, and in school. 

One of the keys to safety is preparedness. We have seen, time and time again, how being prepared helps mitigate issues.  When considering your health and the health of others, having AEDs easily available can be the difference between life and death.

What Is An AED?

AED is the acronym for an automated external defibrillator. This portable electronic medical device is used to identify life-threatening cardiac issues and treat them, immediately. Using electricity, an AED stops a heart arrhythmia and helps it revert to a normal rhythm.

The history of AEDs is interesting and informative. In 1947 electric shock was first used to restart a human heart. The “treatment”  took place in a hospital operating room and the shock was applied by a cardiac surgeon. This led to research and the development of a machine that could provide a shock to a closed chest. 

Initially shocking a heart was an action only to be undertaken by a medical professional.  Then the Automatic External Defibrillator came to be.

 The operation of these machines evolved over time and today no medical expertise is necessary for their operation. 

The instructions are clearly written and easy to understand; they can be used by anyone.

Where AEDs Can Be Used

Access to AEDs is critical.  In fact, according to the American Heart Association, “A person who suffers a cardiac arrest in public has more than twice the chance of surviving if a bystander steps in to restart the heart with an automated external defibrillator before an emergency crew arrives at the scene, a new study has found.”

Clearly, AEDs are beneficial.  That said, some locations would be particularly well-served by having an accessible AED. These include places of business, homes, and schools.

Businesses

Having an AED in your place of business protects your employees and customers alike. Cardiac arrhythmia can occur suddenly, and easy access to an AED can help save a life. Additionally, as a business owner, you can provide basic first aid, CPR and AED training to your employees.  While this machinery is designed to be used without any preparation, training can help your employees feel more comfortable should they need to use it. Also, simply having an AED accessible projects a level of corporate caring and responsibility.

Home Use

Having an AED in your home is much like having an insurance policy. You hope you will never have to use it, but if you do you are forever grateful for it. Cardiac arrest is commonplace. And, as life continues to grow more stressful, the incidents are even more likely.  Having an AED in your home allows you to provide lifesaving treatment to a family member while you wait for an ambulance to arrive. Easy access allows you to help immediately, saving valuable time.

Schools

Thousands of young people die each year as a result of cardiac issues.  And the incidence rate  is even higher in student-athletes.  Currently, 19 states require schools to have an AED onsite. That said, even if your stat does not require it, having one can help save a life.

Consider Purchasing an AED Today

If your home, business or children’s schools does not have an AED onsite, consider purchasing one, or advocating for the purchase of one, today. There are a variety of AEDs on the market, as well as a host of accessories.  

The investment in this equipment could be the most important one you make for the health of your employees, your customers, your family and your community.