On February 8th, 2013 we all learned a lesson of the value of learning CPR and the use of an AED. A gentleman went in to full arrest in front of our office. With the quick reaction of our staff performing CPR and using our AED, the man is alive today. The AED was installed on Tuesday and saved a life on Friday! This is why we encourage everyone to take CPR classes and train in the use of an AED. Call UEMTC today at (801) 562-2663 to sign up for classes.
Yes, that's right. UEMTC is offering free public AED training courtesy of our wonderful sponsors. Take a look!
Shockingly Simple has been endorsed by David Patton of the Utah Department of Health. Take a look!
Yes. Every Minute Counts
It is a proven concept that the only effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF) is prompt defibrillation. Yet, defibrillation is only effective when it is administered within the first few minutes of an Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) episode.
Chance of Survival
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A study published in an October 2000 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that survival rates are highest when defibrillation is delivered within three minutes of the time of collapse.
Location is Key
Defibrillators are at the heart of any defibrillation program, and only through greater defibrillator availability will response times improve. Defibrillators have the potential to assume a role similar to that of the fire extinguisher – omnipresent and ready in case of emergency.
Although the deployment of defibrillators is becoming more widespread, they are not as prevalent as one might think. For instance, some estimates suggest that only 50% of ambulances, 10-15% of first-response fire department vehicles, and less than 1% of police vehicles carry defibrillators.
Through the widespread deployment of defibrillators within a community, the “collapse-to-shock” time can decrease and survival rates may increase. With these objectives in mind, program leaders often first bolster the defibrillator preparedness of their public safety providers, and then install devices in locations where large numbers of residents and visitors gather. Although there is no formula for determining the optimal number of defibrillators and their appropriate placement, deployment should be based on shortened response times and on SCA risk factors that exist within the population.
Ideal “Collapse-to-Shock” Goal for Early Defibrillation Programs
Look around where you live, where you work, and the places you frequent and determine how close you are to a defibrillator and a trained responder. Federal guidelines recommend three minutes to access a defibrillator. If an SCA victim can’t be reached within this timeframe, It may be time to become a champion for early defibrillation, not only for your safety, but for others as well.
You might consider some of the following locations for defibrillator placement.
Public Buildings Work Places At Home Medical Facilities
Contact us for more information about locating an AED in your home, workplace, church, meeting house etc. We can teach all your employees, family members, church or reading group or neighborhood watch committee how to use an AED – which SAVES LIVES.