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- Frequently Asked Questions-
- What is an AED?
- How does an AED work?
- What is the Cardiac
Chain of Survival?
- If an AED is so easy to
use, why do I need training?
- How can the American Red
Cross help?
- How can the Red Cross
assist in the purchase of an AED?
- Who do I contact for
more information
Q. What is an AED?
A. An AED is a small, portable
device that analyzes the heart's rhythm for
any abnormalities and, if necessary, directs
the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to
the heart of someone suffering from sudden
cardiac arrest. This shock, called
defibrillation, may help the heart to
reestablish an effective rhythm.
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Q. How does an AED work?
A. An AED uses voice prompts to
instruct the rescuer. Once the machine is
turned on, the rescuer will be prompted to
apply two pads provided with the AED to the
victim's chest. Once applied, the AED will
begin to monitor the victim's heart rhythm. If
a "shockable" rhythm is detected,
the machine will charge itself and instruct
the rescuer to stand clear of the victim and
to press the shock button.
If you are interested in seeing how an AED
works, you can contact Chris Wylam in the
Health and Safety Services department at (570)
823-7161, ext. 329 to set up an appointment
for a demonstration. An online demonstration
is also available at the following link: http://www.medical.philips.com/onsitedemo.
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Q. What is the Cardiac Chain of
Survival?
The Cardiac Chain of Survival is a series of
four critical steps. All four steps of the
chain must be present to help ensure survival
from sudden cardiac arrest. The four steps
are:
- Step one: Early access to care (calling
911 or another emergency number)
- Step two: Early cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR)
- Step three: Early defibrillation
- Step four: Early advanced cardiac life
support as needed
The third step, delivering an electrical shock
to the heart, which is known as
defibrillation, is recognized as the most
critical step in restoring cardiac rhythm and
resuscitating a victim of SCA.
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Q. If an AED is so easy to use,
why do I need training?
A. Training is necessary in order to
understand the role of defibrillation in the
broader context of the Cardiac Chain of
Survival. Training in CPR
and AED skills will enable the rescuer to
use all the steps in the Cardiac Chain of
Survival, thereby significantly increasing the
victim's chance of survival. Many states now
have AED Good Samaritan provisions generally
designed to help protect layperson rescuers in
certain cases.
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Q. How can the American Red Cross help?
A. American Red Cross courses
combine CPR training with instruction in
automated external defibrillation; the two
skills needed to save the life of a sudden
cardiac arrest victim. Currently, AED training
is an integral part of our Adult
CPR/AED and Standard
First Aid courses. In addition, general
AED information is provided in CPR courses
that do not teach AED skills. We invite you to
learn more about the exciting technology and
training that could save the life of a family
member, a co-worker, a friend or even your
own.
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Q. How can the Red Cross assist in the
purchase of an AED?
A. In return for the Red Cross's
role in educating the public concerning the
importance of AEDs for public health and
safety, public access to defibrillation, and
the safe and proper use of AEDs agreements
have been established with AED manufacturers
that include Philips and Medtronic. These
agreements, among other things, allow the
Wyoming Valley Chapter, in conjunction with
Red Cross AED training, to facilitate the sale
of AEDs between the AED manufacturer and AED
purchasers
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Q. Who do I contact for more
information?
A. For information about AED
training or how you can purchase an AED
directly from an AED manufacturer, please
contact Chris Wylam in the Health and Safety
Services Department at (570) 823-7161, ext.
329 or e-mail her at WylamC@usa.redcross.org
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