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LEARN TO USE AN AED – YOU COULD SAVE A LIFE!In the last hour, about 25 people in the United States died as a result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Many of these deaths could have been prevented with quick action.Unlike a heart attack, SCA can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. There are no warning signs, and most victims do not have a history of heart disease. SCA starts when chaotic electrical impulses to the heart cause it to pump blood ineffectively. Although the causes of SCA are not well understood, the best treatment is the immediate application of the four-step “Cardiac Chain of Survival.” 1. Early Recognition and Early Access - Call 9-1-1 right away. 2. Early CPR - Start CPR until an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is ready. 3. Early Defibrillation - Start use of the AED, 4. Early Advanced Life Support - When trained medical personnel arrive, they will provide further care and transport to hospital facilities. An AED, about the size of a laptop computer, can be used by trained laypeople. AEDs are now found in public places such as malls, office buildings, airports, stadiums, and schools. They deliver an electrical shock to the heart, stopping it momentarily, and allowing it to restart at a more normal rhythm. AEDs, similar to devices used by doctors, are designed for use by anyone with minimal training. The device speaks instructions, prompting the rescuer in the proper steps. It analyzes the patient’s heartbeat and determines whether an electrical shock is required. If a shock is necessary, the unit charges itself, then tells the rescuer to stand clear and push a button to deliver the shock. “On average, it takes emergency personnel 12 minutes to arrive on scene.” said Sherri Litchfield, the Quality Assurance Coordinator for Health and Safety at the Granite Chapter. “For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing, that may be too late. By learning simple rescue skills, you can take control and help someone during an emergency.” Of the 25 people whose hearts stopped beating forever in the last hour, up to one-fourth of them could have been saved - if the victim was lucky enough to be near an AED and someone trained to use it. Contact the Granite State Chapter of the American Red Cross (1-800-464-6692) to sign up for CPR, AED and First Aid training. You can help the Red Cross reach its goal to have all Americans within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it. PHOTO: Learn how to use an AED through the Red Cross chapter.
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