Defibrillators can mean the difference between life and death
David Cookson, EMT of American Ambulance, demonstrates the proper use of the portable defibrillator. |
American Ambulance demonstrates an automated external defibrillator (AED) |
More states are passing laws requiring portable defibrillators in schools, in response to raised awareness about the threat of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.
Texas recently approved a state law that requires all school districts to put automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every school this year. Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia require some schools to have portable defibrillators; actual extent varies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, 100,000 young athletes die each year from all cardiovascular disorders, including cardiomyopathy, as a result of participation in sports. This is twice as many as die in auto accidents.
The American Heart Association recommends putting AEDs in public places where it would take more than five minutes for a paramedic to arrive, such as schools in rural areas or on large campuses.
Fred Potter, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator for Backus Hospital, explained that a quick response with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a defibrillator is important in saving lives. Usually, you only have a matter of minutes.
"The abnormal heart rhythms defibrillators are designed to correct are only there for a short time," he said. "If EMTs or paramedics arrive with a defibrillator after that time, the shocking may not be effective."
Mr. Potter said all professional healthcare providers - including physicians, nurses and emergency medical technicians - are trained to use defibrillators. Norwich is designated a HeartSafe Community by the American Heart Association. This initiative encourages early access to emergency care, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advance care as part of the chain of survival.
Defibrillators are used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. 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. The price of an AED varies by make and model, but most cost between $1,500 — $2,500.
Cardiac arrest in those younger than 35 is usually from an undiagnosed heart abnormality. The most common is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle thickens, leading to possible disruptions in the heart rhythm. This condition accounts for about one-third of all sudden cardiac death in young competitive athletes in the United States.
Features of an Automated Exterior Defibrillator (AED) |
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