| ERT Associates offers a wide range of products and services related to Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) and Public Access Defibrillation (PAD). Some of these are:
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Sales & Support
- Public Access Defibrillation Program Management
- American Heart Association CPR & AED Training
- Healthcare Provider CPR and EMT-Basic Courses
But that's just to name a few. Be sure to check out our Products & Services page for a complete list, pricing and further details of all of our products and services offered.
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| Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) questions and answers:
What does SCA stand for?
SCA stands for "Sudden Cardiac Arrest".
What does CPR stand for?
CPR stands for "Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation".
What does AED stand for?
AED stands for "Automated External Defibrillator" or "Automatic External Defibrillator.”
What does PAD stand for?
PAD stands for "Public Access Defibrillation".
What is Public Access Defibrillation?
Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) means making AEDs available in public and/or private places where large numbers of people gather or people who are at high risk for heart attacks live.
What Happens in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Victims of SCA are unresponsive, lose consciousness, stop breathing, and have no pulse. Most often, the victim is suffering from a heart rhythm disorder called ventricular fibrillation (VF). In this case, the victim needs CPR and defibrillation-an electric shock to correct the heart's rhythm-as soon as possible. VF can happen to anyone-even someone who appears perfectly healthy.
Chances Are...You Will See It Happen.
Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) help save lives. In the US, about 1,000 people every day suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). You've probably seen what this looks like on TV. But when it happens to someone right in front of you, whether to a loved one or a stranger, a colleague or a customer, it is a sight you never forget. More than anything, you want to help. And you can. You are the victim's best chance for survival.
I'm Not a Paramedic. What Can I Do?
With every passing minute, the chance for the victim's survival decreases up to 10%. As fast as paramedics are, they can't be everywhere in less than 3 minutes. By providing immediate treatment, you can dramatically increase the victim's chances of survival. You can deliver defibrillation using a device called an automated external defibrillator, or AED. The latest AEDs are remarkably lightweight and simple to use. With basic training, anyone can be a lifesaver. The AED can detect if the victim needs defibrillation, and then talk you through the rescue while showing you pictures to remind you how to proceed. Some can even coach you through CPR.
AEDs Aren't Just in Ambulances Anymore.
Public access defibrillation-putting AEDs in public places where layperson's can use them-is already a stunning success story. The number of places AED programs are being implemented grows rapidly each year. Look for the AED symbol at:
• Golf Courses
• Schools
• Community Centers
• Manufacturing Facilities
• Places of Worship
• Airplanes & Airports
• Casinos
• Police & Fire Vehicles
• Restaurants
• Health Clubs
• Hotels
• Convention Centers
• Office Buildings
What is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
An Automated External Defibrillator utilizes an electrical shock to restore a heart's normal rhythm/correct an abnormal rhythm known as an arrhythmia. The most common type of arrhythmia in a cardiac arrest victim is known as ventricular fibrillation, (VF). Defibrillation is the only know therapy for VF. The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED can check a person’s heart rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights, and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.
Automated External Defibrillators are manufactured in different models. They are portable, lightweight, and can be stored easily. An AED can be used safely in buildings/offices or transit vehicles. These highly reliable machines are already successfully utilized by the airline industry. Automated External Defibrillators are an inexpensive way to protect your staff and public from being another fallen victim of cardiac arrest.
AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely. There are many different brands of AEDs, but the same basic steps apply to all of them. The AHA does not recommend a specific model.
How does an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) work?
An AED works by first turning the AED unit on and listening to the voice prompts. Place the defibrillator/electrically conductive adhesive pads on a cardiac arrest victim’s chest according to the AED instructions/diagram. Placement of the defibrillator pads can vary according to the model of AED. The AED automatically analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm and determines when to apply the electrical shock/defibrillate. Semi-automatic AEDs require the lay-rescuer to push the shock button. Fully automatic AEDs will shock without the lay-rescuer having to push the shock button. If the victim is not in a shockable rhythm, the AED should then prompt the lay-rescuer to begin CPR.
How does Automated External Defibrillator (AED) change a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), for every minute that passes without defibrillation, a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 %. The average response time for emergency medical services arriving with defibrillation equipment is 8 to12 MINUTES. After 10 MINUTES pass without defibrillation, resuscitation of the victim is "rarely accomplished". Studies show that Automated External Defibrillators increase a cardiac arrest victim's chances of survival dramatically. In short, Automated External Defibrillators "SAVE LIVES".
What the law says?
Rhode Island and 5 other states require that all health/athletic facilities have an Automated External Defibrillator unit and many states will follow soon. All commercial airlines now carry AEDs, and most large airports are equipped with them also. Most states have a Good Samaritan Law which will protect a lay rescuer who attempts cardiopulmonary resuscitation with or without an Automated External Defibrillator.
What's the AHA position on placement of AEDs?
The AHA strongly advocates that all EMS first-response vehicles and ambulances be equipped with an AED or another defibrillation device (semiautomatic or manual defibrillator). The AHA also supports placing AEDs in targeted public areas such as sports arenas, gated communities, office complexes, doctor's offices, shopping malls, etc. When AEDs are placed in the community or a business or facility, the AHA strongly encourages that they be part of a defibrillation program in which:
• Persons that acquire an AED notify the local EMS office.
• A licensed physician or medical authority provides medical oversight to ensure quality control.
• Persons responsible for using the AED are trained in CPR and how to use an AED.
Why is notifying the local EMS office important?
It's important for the local EMS system to know where AEDs are located in the community. In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, the 9-1-1 dispatcher will know if an AED is on the premises and will be able to notify the EMS system as well as the responders already on the scene.
Why should a licensed physician or medical authority be involved with purchasers of AEDs?
This is a quality control mechanism. The licensed physician or medical authority will ensure that all designated responders are properly trained and that the AED is properly maintained. He or she also can help establishments develop an emergency response plan for the AED program.
Why should people who are responsible for operating an AED receive CPR training?
Early CPR is an integral part of providing lifesaving aid to people suffering sudden cardiac arrest. CPR helps to circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain. After the AED is attached and delivers a shock, the typical AED will prompt the operator to evaluate the patient for signs of circulation, and administer CPR, if indicated, while the device continues to analyze the victim’s heart rhythm.
If AEDs are so easy to use, why do people need formal training in how to use them?
An AED operator must know how to recognize the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, when to activate the EMS system, and how to do effective CPR. It's also important for operators to receive formal training on the AED model they will use so that they become familiar with the device and are able to successfully operate it in an emergency. Training also teaches the operator how to avoid potentially hazardous situations.
Can anyone buy an AED?
AEDs are manufactured and sold under guidelines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA may require someone who purchases an AED to present a physician's prescription for the device. (Only an AED purchased for home use can be purchased without one.)
My health club has identified a member physician willing to purchase an AED for the club. What's the first step in the process?
Your local EMS system can help you find out about local and state protocols and requirements for AED training and use.
The police are the first responders in my community. Officials are reluctant to have them carry and use AEDs for fear of potential litigation. What legislation is currently in effect to protect first responders who use an AED?
If the person is a trained and licensed medical first responder (MFR), an established standard of care is outlined in the law, and those operating within these guidelines are protected under these laws. These same guidelines pertain to the personnel in your EMS system. If they are not trained and licensed MFRs, check the state laws to determine if lay rescuers are given limited liability immunity. If not, they may not be protected from litigation. Agencies should seek legal counsel before implementing a defibrillation program.
How much does an AED cost?
The price of an AED varies by make and model. Most AEDs cost between $1,500–$2,000, complete with accessories.
What steps should an organization take to buy an AED for its premises?
Any person or entity wanting to buy an AED may first need to get a prescription from a physician. The AED should be placed for use within an AED program that includes these elements:
• Training of all users in CPR and operation of an AED (this can be achieved through the AHA's Heartsaver AED Course).
• Physician oversight to ensure appropriate maintenance and use of the AED.
• Notifying local EMS of the type and location of AED(s).
Which AED model does the AHA recommend?
The AHA does not recommend a specific device. All AED models have similar features, but the slight differences allow them to meet a variety of needs. The AHA encourages potential buyers to consider all models and make a selection based on the buyer's particular needs. The local EMS system can help you with this decision. |
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