All About Defibrillators

Keep Your Heart Healthy - Cholesterol and Eggs

2009-04-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

The correlation of eggs and cholesterol is not that most people normally believe. The fact is eggs do not always increase the cholesterol level sometimes they even lower it down.

There are only one third individuals who are abnormally sensitive to the cholesterol present in the yolk of the egg. A research was conducted by the researchers of the University of Connecticut. In the study the participants (above the age of 50) were given either three eggs a day or an equal quantity of cholesterol free egg substitute. None of the participant in the study was on any cholesterol lowering medication.

After the study it was concluded the participants who were not abnormally sensitive to the egg substitute, eating three eggs a day does not raise their cholesterol level but actually their cholesterol level went down. In most of the participants eating three eggs in one day lowered LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol. On the other hand those who were given an equal amount of cholesterol free egg substitute increased LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol and decrease the HDL. But the one third participants who were abnormally oversensitive to the egg yolk, the opposite effect took place for this smaller number of participants.

Eggs also have an unusual effect on the cholesterol level of overweight males. Another study have proved when the eggs are used in combination with a meal rich in carbohydrates they speed up the release of glucose from the carbohydrates but on the other side they also accelerate the release of insulin from the pancreas. This additional insulin copes with the additional sugar. The problem arises when the insulin start storing fats thus causing an increase in weight.

Another study was conducted on eating eggs in combination with a diet low in carbohydrates. It was concluded that

It reduces the weight of the body.
It raises the insulin sensitivity.
Increases HDL cholesterol.
Increases the hormones that fight against atherosclerosis.

Furthermore another study conducted on 9734 individuals of the age group 25-75 at the Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Research Center of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. It was found that taking more than 1 egg in a day does not increase the risk factor of heart attack or stroke.

So now we can safely say that for most of us, the eggs are not bad for heart and if we avoid excessive sugar intake, the same eggs can become healthier for our hearts. If somebody does not have the family history of hypercholesterolemia or any such related condition, the daily consumption of eggs will have a positive effect on LDL, HDL and triglycerides.

This article which focuses on keeping your heart healthy is sponsored by Defibrillator Solutions. Our hope is that with the proper knowledge, you will never need to be saved by an AED.

Automatic External Defibrillator

2009-01-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

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Portable Defibrillators in the Home

2008-02-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows the importance of having a defibrillator in schools, airplanes and other public places, but what about having an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in the home?

Nearly everyday someone's life was saved because of and AED, also known as a PAD - Personal Automated Defibrillator. Hardly a day goes by that we don't hear of the man that had a heart attack at a school game or a child being revived by a defibrillator. But, I never find articles about an in-home defibrillator saving a high-risk homeowners life. I know people have them, are they just not reported in the news?

Just the other day we heard about the lady on-board the airplane that had difficulty breathing and then everything went wrong, including a defibrillator that apparently none of the attendants were trained how to operate it. And again today I read of the boy from New Zealand that was saved by a defibrillator which was recently purchased by his school, But, no stories about a PAD being used in the home.

So here's the challenge; if you or someone you know was revived by a home-use defibrillator, I would like to know about it. Heck, I don't care, even if you find a news story, just let me know ...please!!! As AED's become more affordable, homeowners are purchasing them at an alarming rate. So, by now somebody must have good news to report, so let's hear about it!

Texas Govenor signs AED Bill Into Law

2007-09-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Governor signs defibrillator law during ceremony
By JIM BERGAMO, KVUE News
Senate Bill 7 was ceremonially signed Wednesday by Governor Rick Perry at Westlake High School in Eanes ISD, requiring every public school campus to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) readily available at all University Interscholastic League athletic practices and competitions.

"As it happens more and more, the word has spread. Unfortunately it took people dying and it took me to really spread the word, but the good thing is that the awareness is out there now," said Nader, the former Westlake offensive lineman who collapsed during the second quarter of Westlake's game against A&M Consolidated in College Station in September 2006.
Doctors used a portable defibrillator to revive the senior lineman, who was then taken by ambulance to the College Station Medical Center...

Tennis club's new AED credited with saving a life only days after its purchase

2007-07-13T05:45:00.001-07:00

Another reason why no place of business should be without an AED. Here is a story of a heart attack victim surviving only because the Tennis club had just purchased a new AED.

Defibrillator scores an ace

Tennis club's new AED proved itself as a lifesaving device only days after its purchase as a club member suffers a heart attack.

By Jessie Brunner
Reader Feedback - Currently 3 comment(s) Comments

Mo Conter hoped she would never have to use the defibrillator that the Palisades Tennis Club recently bought, but nine days after being trained on the machine, she was delivering electric shocks to a heart attack victim.

With the help of two club members who performed chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Conter, the club's activities director, saved longtime member Bill Rosener's life.

"I can't believe the timing of what happened," said General Manager Terri DeLong, who facilitated the purchase of the machine and the requisite training. "We're all really close to Bill, and I can't stop thinking how fortunate we were to have the defibrillator at that time to, as I understand it, save his life."...

Moyer, a NY Teacher, Honored for Her Role in AED Legislation

2007-05-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

Because of people like Rachel Moyer, lives are being saved on a daily basis using Automated External Defibrillators also known as a AEDs. If you would like to learn about the history of the AED, visit DefibrillatorSolutions.com

Union honors four who make a difference

New York Teacher - May 4, 2007

Rachel Moyer, a teacher from Port Jervis, was introduced during Iannuzzi's address. "After the tragic and untimely death of her own son, Rachel dedicated herself to seeing that legislation is enacted in every state requiring a defibrillator in every school," Iannuzzi said. "Since these life-saving devices were mandated in schools in New York state, 51 people, including grandparents, parents, teachers, support personnel and students, have been saved." Iannuzzi noted the youngest life saved was that of a 7-year-old boy, a few months ago, in Glens Falls. The boy "lives today as the result of the quick thinking of teacher Bryan Seybolt and school nurse Janel Martinez," Iannuzzi said. Since the incident, Moyer has arranged to have an additional defibrillator donated to the Glens Falls district...

Texas Town Installs 11 Public Defibrillators

2007-04-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

At a cost of more than $22K this Texas town realizes the importance of saving lives.

FOR THE HEART, City has defibrillators at 11 locations

BY DAN EAKIN, Staff Writer
April 21, 2007

People who may have heart problems at any one of 11 locations in the city can breathe easier due to the installation of defibrillators by city workers.

Melinda Galler, director of human resources, said the city council included the cost of the defibrillators in the budget approved last fall. The defibrillators were installed earlier this year at a total cost of $22,543.

The defibrillators have been installed in the Lewisville Annex Atrium, Lewisville Library, city hall (first floor), the public services facility on Kealy Drive, the water plant, Civic Circle Recreation Center, Memorial Park Recreation Center, Lewisville Senior Center and at both the College Street and Sun Valley swimming pools.

“In addition,” Galler said, “a total of 39 employees representing all locations have received CPR/AED training.”...

Problem Found with Canadian Defibrillator - Defibtech v2.002

2007-04-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Get your lawyer ready!

I am sure that in today's litigation-happy society, someone will be suing this company.

Problem found with defibrillator

Canadian Press

Published: Saturday, April 14, 2007

TORONTO (CP) -- A defibrillator company is reporting problems with a warning light that indicates when the battery is low, Health Canada said this week.

Defibtech has sent notices to customers to warn that version 2.002 and earlier versions of the software in the DDU-100 series Automatic External Defibrillators require an upgrade.

Ray Valek, a lawyer for the company, said a worldwide recall affects 42,000 units, including fewer than 1,000 in Canada.

The defibrillators are most often found in public areas, schools, health clubs, manufacturing plants and stadiums, as well as in police and fire vehicles, he said. They are seldom bought for home use.

Valek said that in some situations, self-test software on the devices might "clear" or fail to warn of a previously detected low-battery condition.

If this occurs, the device might not deliver a shock to restart someone's heart in an emergency.

Valek said that until the software problem can be fixed, those who have the defibrillators are encouraged to run low-battery tests on a more frequent basis.

A Life-Saving Story - This Is What AED's Are All About!

2007-04-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Wicomico Sheriff’s deputy saves teacher’s life
By Earl Holland
Staff Writer
The Daily Times - Salisbury, Md. 4/11/07

SALISBURY — Quick thinking by students and a Wicomico County Sheriff’s deputy saved the life of a middle school teacher this afternoon.

At about 2 p.m., a teacher at Salisbury Middle School on Morris Street experienced a medical emergency during class, police said.

Deputy First Class Christian Pecoraro — a school resource officer — came to the scene with an Automatic External Defibrillator and was able to stabilize the teacher, police said.

The teacher was then transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, police said. No status or identification for the teacher was available this afternoon.

eholland@dmg.gannett.com
410-749-7171, Ext. 214

CPR Training and the effectiveness of using an AED

2007-04-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a self-contained defibrillator device designed for portability and ease of use. AEDs are available for $1000 for a basic model to several thousand dollars for a more fully-featured or durable model. There is limited evidence to suggest that biphasic defibrillation is superior to monophasic defibrillators, although the small capacitor size required for the defibrillator can create significant cost and size savings-- essential for the proliferation of Automated External Defibrillators.

Automated External Defibrillators are commonly found in large gathering places, such as airports, casinos, sports stadiums, and college campuses. Solid-gel electrodes are more convenient, because there is no need to clean the patient's skin after removing the electrodes. The apex electrode is applied to the left side of the patient, just below and to the left of the pectoral muscle.

While ventricular fibrillation is still the major primary rhythm in cardiac arrest, nowadays available AEDs can be used especially by the trained and even untrained laymen. Untrained laypersons are able to use AEDs quickly and safely. Claude Beck successfully revived a patient in an operating room using an open-chest electric defibrillation device, which had been designed by him and then built by his friend James Rand.

Studies and Research on AED's:
One study offered students a new teaching strategy called "learning by teaching", where medical students trained SCD survivors at their homes in BLS and the use of an AED. In one study three physicians skilled in providing and teaching advanced life support (certified instructors of the European Resuscitation Council) were present and recorded data while each student operated the AED. Out of 127 trainees, 87 (69%) were rated by their trainers as that they can deal with failures/disturbances of the AED by themselves.

Facts to Consider:
Since the first clinical use of AEDs in the early 1980s, developments in technology have led to initiatives by health and governmental organizations to develop PAD programs. Many monitor defibrilators provide three, five or 12-lead EKG monitoring to compensate for this downfall of the paddles. For many years, the American Heart Association has postulated inclusion of AED use in basic life support training.

AED Usage and Training:
Many students consider that as AEDs are more or less self-explaining, learning by doing would be the best way to teach CPR and BLS. When a patient has been admitted due to heart concerns, and the physician or nurse has determined that he or she is at risk of arrhythmia, they may apply adhesive electrodes to the patient in anticipation of any concerns that may arise. There is evidence that use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by laypersons improves rates of survival from cardiac arrest, but there is no consensus on the optimal content and duration of training for this purpose.

Automated Edternal Defibrillators are designed to provide immediate defibrillation to high-risk patients. The implementation of PAD programmes in the future will depend mainly on the willingness of the public to participate in AED or cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

2007-03-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a medical device used in the defibrillation of the heart. Often, AEDs will have speakers which give audible commands when the AED is opened. Automated External Defibrillators are designed to provide immediate defibrillation to high-risk patients.

There is limited evidence to suggest that biphasic defibrillation is superior to monophasic defibrillators, although the small capacitor size required for the defibrillator can produce significant cost and size savings-- essential for the proliferation of Automated External Defibrillators. Both solid- and wet-gel adhesive electrodes are available. The two electrodes are placed directly on or in the patient.

Only the cardiac arrest rhythms ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia are normally defibrillated. Untrained laypersons are able to use AEDs quickly and safely. Claude Beck successfully revived a patient in an operating room using an open-chest electric defibrillation device, which had been designed by him and then built by his friend James Rand.

Studies and Research on AED's:
In general, none of the participants appeared to be apprehensive about operating the AED because none of them refused to participate in the study or to apply the device to the manikin. Studies have shown that even children can effectively use an AED. The studies published thus far led to the statement from the American Heart Association and the Resuscitation Council UK 'not to specify the nature of content or duration of BLS plus AED programs because of the lack of current evidence on which to base any such guidance.

Facts to Consider:
The first case of a human life saved by defibrillation was reported by Beck et al in 1947. Since the first clinical use of AEDs in the early 1980s, developments in technology have led to initiatives by health and governmental organizations to develop PAD programs. The American Heart Association has postulated inclusion of AED use in basic life support.

AED Usage and Training:
Many students consider that as AEDs are more or less self-explaining, learning by doing would be the best way to teach CPR and BLS. When a patient has been admitted due to heart concerns, and the physician or nurse has determined that he or she is at risk of arrhythmia, they may apply adhesive electrodes to the patient in anticipation of any problems that may arise. There is the need of teaching medical students in BLS (Basic Life Support) and the use of AEDs.

Upon placing the electrodes on the patient, the control computer in an advanced schematics will assess the patient, determining the type of rhythm or arrhythmia present. With virtually no training at all, anyone can save a life using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

What is an PAD (Public Access Defibrillator)?

2007-03-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Current PAD devices are designed for emergency medical technicians, home users, public safety officers and other persons with minimal medical knowledge. An PAD consists of a central unit and a set of two electrodes. Continued CPR in order to improve the oxygenation of the heart for a few minutes is preferred before defibrillation is attempted.

Public Access Defibrillators are designed to provide immediate defibrillation to high-risk patients. Adhesive electrodes are designed to be used not only for defibrillation, but also for non-invasive pacing and electrical cardioversion. The apex electrode is applied to the left side of the patient, just below and to the left of the pectoral muscle.

When applied to external defibrillators, biphasic defibrillation significantly decreases the energy level necessary for successful defibrillation. If defibrillation is required, the machine is charged, and the shock is delivered, without any need to apply any gel or to retrieve and place any paddles. Biphasic defibrillation, used in an AED, was originally developed and used for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Studies and Research on AED's:
When comparing time to first shock between semiautomatic and automatic AEDs, the students were significantly faster in both evaluations using the semiautomatic device. Studies have shown that even children can effectively use an AED. There have been studies centering on these key points; the importance of sudden cardiac death and of defibrillation in this context; importance of 'time to shock' to return of spontaneous circulation and success of resuscitation over time; importance of correct electrode pad positioning; safety aspects when using an AED; and the overall general procedure for defibrillation devices.

Facts to Consider:
Many monitor defibrilators provide three, five or 12-lead EKG monitoring to compensate for this downfall of the paddles. An AED contains a battery, a control computer, and electrodes. The American Heart Association has postulated inclusion of AED use in basic life support.

AED Usage and Training:
Through the teaching session 'Learning by Teaching' students were prepared in how to contact SCD survivors and their families and how to provide them with an AED and sufficient knowledge about how to use the AED including BLS at the patient and relatives desire. When a patient has been admitted because of heart problems, and the physician or nurse has determined that he or she is at risk of arrhythmia, they may apply adhesive electrodes to the patient in anticipation of any problems that may arise. There is the need of teaching medical students in BLS (Basic Life Support) and the use of AEDs.

Upon placing the electrodes on the patient, the control computer in an advanced design will assess the patient, determining the type of rhythm or arrhythmia present. The implementation of PAD (Public Access Defibrillator) programs in the future will depend mainly on the willingness of the public to participate in AED or cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses.

AED Training and Usage

2007-03-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

An AED (automatic external defibrillator) is a medical device used in the defibrillation of the heart. Often, AEDs will have speakers which give audible commands when the AED is opened. In the movies, the defibrillator induces a sudden, violent jerk or convulsion by the patient; in reality, although the muscles may contract, such dramatic patient presentation is rare.

Upon placing the electrodes on the patient, the control computer in an advanced layout will assess the patient, determining the type of rhythm or arrhythmia present. Solid-gel electrodes are more convenient, because there is no need to clean the patient's skin after removing the electrodes. The two electrodes are placed directly on or in the patient.

There are a variety of technologies and form factors in use for external defibrillators, and recent progress in cardiac research has led to substantial improvements in the underlying technology. First responders may operate an AED without having any background knowledge about the instrument. Biphasic defibrillation, used in an AED, was originally developed and used for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Studies and Research on AED's:
One study offered students a new teaching strategy called "learning by teaching", where medical students trained SCD survivors at their homes in BLS and the use of an AED. When asked about on whom they would use the AED, 107 (96%) out of the 112 trainees will use their skills in case one of their relatives goes into cardiac arrest, 106 (95%) will even use them on victims, who they don't know. A high priority for any study should affect developing training methods and strategies to reach the optimum level of education and to lower peoples concerns about using an AED and CPR.

Facts to Consider:
AC electricity cannot be used because it is considerably more likely to induce ventricular fibrillation rather than terminating it. The electrode is a key part of any defibrillation set-up. For many years, the American Heart Association has postulated inclusion of AED training and usage in basic life support training.

AED Usage and Training:
Many students agree that as AEDs are more or less self-explaining, learning by doing would be the best way to teach CPR and BLS. If the patient does not require defibrillation, units will not allow a shock to be administered. Through the teaching session 'Learning by Teaching' students were prepared in how to contact SCD survivors and their families and how to provide them with an AED and sufficient knowledge about how to use the AED including BLS at the patient and relatives desire.

Automated External Defibrillators are designed to provide immediate defibrillation to high-risk patients. Untrained laypersons can use semiautomatic and automatic AEDs sufficiently quickly and without instruction.

AEDs are Convenient Compact and Powerful

2007-03-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a medical device used in the defibrillation of the heart. AEDs are available for $1000 for a basic model to several thousand dollars for a more fully-featured or durable model. In the movies, the defibrillator induces a sudden, violent jerk or convulsion by the patient; in reality, although the muscles may contract, such dramatic patient presentation is rare.

While ventricular fibrillation is still the major primary rhythm in cardiac arrest, nowadays available AEDs can be used especially by the trained and even untrained laymen. Solid-gel electrodes are more convenient, because there is no need to clean the patient's skin after removing the electrodes. The anterior electrode is placed on the right, below the clavicle.

There are a variety of technologies and form factors in use for external defibrillators, and recent progress in cardiac research has led to substantial improvements in the underlying technology. A button must still be depressed manually to trigger the shock, as the operator beforehand must be certain that no-one is touching the patient at that time. Claude Beck successfully revived a patient in an operating room using an open-chest electric defibrillation device, which had been designed by him and then built by his friend James Rand.

Studies and Research on AED's:
Despite the limitations of the study, we conclude that only minimal background knowledge is needed for laypersons to use an AED safely and quickly, and that further implementation of AEDs for use by minimally trained persons without any medical training is possible. When comparing time to first shock between semiautomatic and automatic AEDs, the students were significantly faster in both evaluations using the semiautomatic device. Studies have shown that even children can effectively use an AED.

Facts to Consider:
Since the first clinical use of AEDs in the early 1980s, developments in technology have led to initiatives by health and governmental organizations to develop PAD programs. Many monitor defibrilators provide three, five or 12-lead EKG monitoring to compensate for this downfall of the paddles. For many years, the American Heart Association has postulated inclusion of AED use in basic life support training.

AED Usage and Training:
Many students agree that as AEDs are more or less self-explaining, learning by doing would be the best way to teach CPR and BLS. If the patient does not require defibrillation, units will not allow a shock to be administered. Through the teaching session 'Learning by Teaching' students were prepared in how to contact SCD survivors and their families and how to provide them with an AED and sufficient knowledge about how to use the AED including BLS at the patient and relatives desire.

In most telemedia programs, the defibrillator induces a sudden, violent jerk or convulsion by the patient; in reality, although the muscles may contract, such dramatic patient presentation is rare. Discussion about the fastest way of getting the AED to the patient, especially at their homes, remains unsolved.

AED Information

2007-03-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

The device, known as an AED (Automated External Defibrilator), is designed to deliver an electric shock to the patient, in an effort to stop pulseless ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Often, AEDs will have speakers which give audible commands when the AED is opened. Automated Edternal Defibrillators are designed to provide immediate defibrillation to high-risk patients.

Only the cardiac arrest rhythms ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia are normally defibrillated. Adhesive electrodes are designed to be used not only for defibrillation, but also for non-invasive pacing and electrical cardioversion. The anterior electrode is placed on the right, below the clavicle.

In the movies, the defibrillator induces a sudden, violent jerk or convulsion by the patient; in reality, although the muscles may contract, such dramatic patient presentation is rare. It will then set appropriate power levels and signal that a shock is needed. External defibrillators were developed for NASA, by Tom Corbin in 1956, to be used in their human centrifuge at Moffat Field in Mountain View, California.

Studies and Research on AED's:
The studies published thus far led to the statement from the American Heart Association and the Resuscitation Council UK 'not to specify the nature of content or duration of BLS plus AED programs because of the lack of current evidence on which to base any such guidance. In one study three physicians skilled in providing and teaching advanced life support (certified instructors of the European Resuscitation Council) were present and recorded data while each student operated the AED. When comparing time to first shock between semiautomatic and automatic AEDs, the students were significantly faster in both evaluations using the semiautomatic device.

Facts to Consider:
The use of solid-gel electrodes presents a higher risk of burns during defibrillation, since wet-gel electrodes more evenly conduct electricity into the body. An AED contains a battery, a control computer, and electrodes. For many years, the American Heart Association has postulated inclusion of AED use in basic life support training.

AED Usage and Training:
In order to reach the best possible outcome for both the student and the trainee, classes should be held for the students where they could receive all relevant information about CPR and the AED. If the patient does not require defibrillation, units will not allow a shock to be administered. Many students consider that as AEDs are more or less self-explaining, learning by doing would be the best way to teach CPR and BLS.

Upon placing the electrodes on the patient, the control computer in an advanced layout will assess the patient, determining the type of rhythm or arrhythmia present. In light of these studies, providing patients with AEDs at their homes might be a promising strategy for increasing the success rates after sudden cardiac arrest.

If you are looking for additional AED information, you may want to explore DefibrillatorSolutions.com

Interesting Discussion with a School Health and Safety Coordinator

2007-03-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today I was meeting with the health and safety coordinator for a large school district in Minnesota. He informed me they already had 2-3 AED's installed at all of their schools, maintenance garages and even had 2 units to bring along on road games.

I asked him if they had ever used their automated external defibrillators, and he indicated that not only had they used them, they had successfully saved 2 lives! He went on to explain that they might have saved a third life, but the staff member that went to retrieve the AED was not trained. When he heard the alarm he thought it was not functioning properly and put it back.

This particular health and safety coordinator understood the importance of using an AED, implemented an action plan and saved two lives. His proactive thinking will undoubtedly save even more lives in the future.

The sad part is, many schools do not have these inexpensive little lifesavers. If your school or business is in the early stages of of incorporating AED's into your health and safety plan and you want to learn about automated external defibrillators, please check out this website: www.defibrillatorsolutions.com

Advanced Cardiac Life Support and the AED

2007-03-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

An AED (automatic external defibrillator) is a medical device used in the defibrillation of the heart. AEDs are generally shaped like a small briefcase, so that they may be carried easily by a handle. There is limited evidence to suggest that biphasic defibrillation is superior to monophasic defibrillators, although the small capacitor size required for the defibrillator can create significant cost and size savings-- essential for the proliferation of Automated External Defibrillators.

When applied to external defibrillators, biphasic defibrillation significantly decreases the energy level necessary for successful defibrillation. Electrical pulses are sent rapidly from one electrode to the other, only in one direction. The two electrodes are placed directly on or in the patient.

Automated External Defibrillators are commonly found in large gathering places, such as airports, casinos, sports stadiums, and college campuses. First responders may operate an AED without having any background knowledge about the instrument. Biphasic defibrillation, used in an AED, was originally developed and used for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Studies and Research on AED's:
In one study, Eames and coworkers compared the use of three different AEDs by nearly untrained laypersons, but information had been given concerning the application of a shock, following instructions for the device and the impact that time to defibrillation has on outcome. A high priority for any study should pertain to developing training methods and strategies to reach the optimum level of education and to minimize peoples concerns about using an AED and CPR. Despite the limitations of the study, we conclude that only minimal background knowledge is needed for laypersons to use an AED safely and quickly, and that further implementation of AEDs for use by minimally trained persons without any medical training is possible.

Facts to Consider:
Many monitor defibrilators provide three, five or 12-lead EKG monitoring to compensate for this downfall of the paddles. An AED contains a battery, a control computer, and electrodes. For many years, the American Heart Association has postulated inclusion of AED use in basic life support training.

AED Usage and Training:
There is the need of teaching medical students in BLS (Basic Life Support) and the use of AEDs. When a patient has been admitted because of heart problems, and the physician or nurse has determined that he or she is at risk of arrhythmia, they may apply adhesive electrodes to the patient in anticipation of any problems that may arise. In order to reach the best possible outcome for both the student and the trainee, classes should be held for the students where they might receive all relevant information about CPR and the AED.

Continued CPR in order to improve the oxygenation of the heart for a few minutes is preferred before defibrillation is attempted. The use of automatic external defibrillators (AED) not only by security personal, but also by concerned laymen and their relatives has become an important part of emergency medical systems.

Learn more about AED (Automated External Defibrillator) by visiting this website: www.defibrillatorsolutions.com