Automated External Defibrillator

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a type of an defibrillator which is a portable electronic device that can diagnose and treat cardiac arrest. This is done by the re-establishment of heart rate to the entire heart muscle by an electric shock. This treatment is often referred to as defibrillation. The word “automatic” refers to the capability of the unit to analyze the patient’s condition autonomously. The majority of units have spoken prompts and visual displays making the use of automated external defibrillator easy. Some of the automated defibrillator electronic parts can even be compared to an ATM. It is that easy!

These easy steps and procedure are not valid reasons for an ordinary individual to be allowed to conduct an automated external defibrillator demonstration. The New York City Council enacted a Local Law requiring proper placement of automated external defibrillators in public places. This was provided that the users undergo training, learn about automated external defibrillator regulations as well as the automated external defibrillator rescue tactics. They also had to learn about the registrations of the devices. If all these requirements werre satisfied, then non-healthcare professionals could legally operate even the most modern and smallest automated defibrillator.

The law was brought about by the estimated 160,000 deaths per year caused by sudden cardiac arrests. Cardiac arrest may result in death if the heart is not shocked quickly through defibrillation. Thousands of death-on-arrival cases from different hospitals worldwide were reported to be caused by sudden cardiac arrests which were not given immediate action. This caused death before the patient arrived at a hospital. On the other hand, there were also numerous cardiac arrest patients who were lucky enough to survive an attack. These people were happy to accept and to live a “second life”. Because of the professional attention given by practitioners, these patients were able to survive.

There are also instances where automated external defibrillator malfunction arises. This is often fixed through the proper training and professionalism that attendants are able to do through some troubleshooting which saves lives afterwards. An article on automated external defibrillators tackles the life-saving changes brought about by this new law. This also involves the discussion about automated external defibrillator funding programs that contribute to further development of automated external defibrillators that will progress through the future. Thanks to technology and the law, many lives are being saved everyday!