Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs, are the crucial life-saving tool needed in the event of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) event. It is an essential device that delivers the needed shock to restart a victim’s heart. Many prehospital cardiac arrests occur in public places. Upon an emergency, would you know where to find an AED? 

Many AEDs Are in Plain Sight

Bystanders during an emergency, in some public places, will find the location of an AED — when they see a displayed AED wall sign with a red heart and lightning bolt blaze, plus the AED/defibrillator cabinet that includes this lifesaving device. These wall-mounted devices are usually walked past daily, and yet never sufficiently registered in memory to be recalled when needed. It is very important for you, your family, and co-workers to recognize where these essential devices are located, know or learn CPR/AED and First Aid Training, plus share with others of this importance. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that AEDs should be within three (3) minutes of an arrest victim. Blanketing the nation with AEDs needs more recognition to Help Save A Life! 

Identifying an AED and Saving Lives

• In public places, AED’s are usually found in white cabinets with red lettering, marking their location with an AED wall sign above. Occasionally, stickers show “Equipped Facility” on windows and doors. AED cabinets/mounts should be no higher than 48 inches above the floor.
• These public places include offices, all-size buildings, schools, shopping malls, grocery stores, medical facilities, airports, and other locations.
• Most facilities with an AED on-premise have or should include it on their Emergency Evacuation Route Map, which indicates the exits and fire extinguishers; otherwise kept with security or front desk.
• In today’s world with new smartphone technology, “there’s an app for that” locating the closest AED in your area. Two specific apps with lifesaving skills are PulsePoint and Staying Alive.  
• A bystander calling 911 could also be directed to an AED located by emergency dispatchers: “Emergency medical personnel are on their way. Continue chest compressions. There is an AED in the nearby bookstore, just at the checkout register. If available, send someone who is not performing CPR/chest compressions to retrieve the AED.”

Hands-Only CPR

Immediately calling 9-1-1 and beginning Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple a victim’s chances of survival. New AHA guidelines were recently introduced for Adult CPR and Child/Infant CPR to protect the rescuer and victim. People with underlying cardiac conditions can be at a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Your health care provider can tell you if a home AED is something you should consider. 

Take Away

Seconds are precious during an emergency. We believe every business or facility should plan, prepare, and practice concepts. Using an Emergency Response Plan (sample document) in order to understand their buildings/campuses (i.e. “Where do I need to go to assist the person in need?”), the resources needed for this type of response (i.e. “I need to use an AED for the victim, and where are they located throughout the building?”), and who is best qualified to respond to the situation (i.e. “What skills do staff members possess?”) is essential for every organization.

Today, we should go to our workplaces, schools, gyms/fitness centers and find the AED/defibrillator NOW so we are prepared when an emergency occurs. Every AED is easy to use and talks you through an emergency.

Contact Life Rescue Training to schedule your in-house or blended CPR/AED & First Aid course (plus ACLS, BLS, ACLS, and PALS) today at www.liferescuetraining.com or call us at 301-327-2525.

Shop our end-of-year AED Bundles with special prices available now through December 31. Or, view our other AED brand options and accessory replenishments. 

We are here to guide and support you with Training and choosing the proper AED device for your location. 

Merry Everything & Happy Always!