AEDs: More Effective and Easier to Learn Than CPR
Posted: Tuesday, December 13, 2005
by larry mitchell
http://www.startaheart.info
For decades, when someone’s heart stops beating, CPR has been the standard and most effective form of first aid. CPR is taught in classroom and community centers throughout the world, led in great part by the American Red Cross, who urges all Americans to become certified in the correct methods and techniques of giving CPR. However, new and increasingly affordable technology is now viewed by many as easier and more effective than CPR. An Automated External Defibrillator, often called an AED, may be a far more powerful tool for saving lives. Impressively, defibrillation via an AED is far easier to perform than CPR, even for someone without any training.
According to the informative Web site http://www.startaheart.info, automated external defibrillators are lightweight, portable devices that can jumpstart a victim’s heart by using an electrical pulse called a biphasic shock. Guiding the rescuer with a combination of simple and clear voice, text and graphical instructions, AEDs do nearly all of the work, enabling practically anyone save a life!
As opposed to CPR, which can easily be done incorrectly, too slowly, or too shallow of compressions so that the heart is left unaffected by the efforts and will not restart on its own, an AED is easy to use and can actually restart the heart with just the push of a button. Using the same technology found in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and doctor’s offices all over the world, an AED can not only help an individual suffering from cardiac arrest until professional medical help arrives, it can literally save their life. Phillips, Zoll, Heartsine and other companies manufacture very portable defibrillators that are surprisingly affordable, and refurbished models are often available for under $1,000.
Generally speaking, performing CPR is a great deal more complex than one may believe. Training and refresher classes are incredibly important to ensure that you not only perform the motions of CPR in the correct method and speed, but also know the appropriate times to perform CPR. Many AEDs however, use sophisticated software and simple voice commands to analyze a patient and instruct the operator on how to restart a heart. These AED devices are found in airports, schools, public spaces, and private homes all across the country, providing an advanced option in case an emergency requires resuscitation.
Many individuals do not have the strength or stamina to properly perform CPR, since the activity takes a great deal of energy to correctly perform in order to receive the best results. Furthermore, you may need to perform CPR for an extended amount of time depending on where the victim is currently located and how easily accessible they are by emergency medical staff. In contrast, individuals of all strengths can use the AED device, since it requires the individual merely to push a button in order to jolt the heart back to life using a shocking stimulation. Generally speaking, it only takes one or possibly two shocks to the heart in order for the victim’s heart to properly respond, allowing the individual working the defibrillator to perform other medical tasks that my be necessary.
As they become increasingly common, you will find an AED in nearly every public place. However, you should still ensure you know the proper methods associated with CPR in case you need to assist someone and are unable to access an AED.
In reading this article, I become alarmed. For those individuals that are using this information as their only source on the topic of AED's and CPR, I encourage them to seek further. Try referencing the American Heart Association, Red Cross, National Safety Council and many other national and international organizations first. An AED by itself does not save lives in cases of SCA (sudden cardiac arrest). Learning the "chain of survival" is one of the best and most simple concepts of rescue. First: Early Access (calling 911); Second: Early CPR; Third: Early Defibrillation (AED use); Fourth: Early Advanced Care (EMS, Hospital). Skipping a step as critical as CPR is not recommended, as it is implied in the article. Where an AED is located, business, school, mall...there is an AED program which would be governed by protocols and medical oversight. Trained individuals in the use of an AED and in CPR, will in all likelyhood be first to operate the AED. As simple as they sound, it is not just the press of a button to save a life. The steps of CPR are critical and yes they may be exhausting and difficult, but the alternative is that a life may be lost without any CPR attempt. Any reader of this article may conclude that they can get around doing CPR and still save a life. When deciding to purchase an AED, it is vital to understanding all health and safety no matter what application. Since self promotion is evident in the article, I too can direct readers to an informative site operated by LifeSavers of America. I congratulate those who encourage, promote and educate the community on lifesaving solutions, but I also expect responsible and accurate information when doing so.
This article is filled with misinformation and self promotion. CPR and AED's are used in conjunction with one another. CPR is not hard, you may become tired but it's not as this article describes. The purpose of CPR is to provide oxygen to the body; without oxygen it won't matter how many times you shock the heart; a lack of oxygen prevents the heart from beating. If you want great info on how to purchase an AED go to AED4Dummies dot com or LifeSaversofAmerica dot com they are both great places for info and purchasing. I've been a CPR Instructor for almost 15 years and this article is not to be taken seriously.