Business that adopt an AED Program Face lower legal liability risk

An Emergency Automated External Defibrillator is a small, lightweight device that is designed to assess a person's heart rhythm and to administer an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm in victims experiencing cardiac arrest. A microprocessor inside the emergency defibrillator analyzes the victim's heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes; determines whether defibrillation is needed based on whether or not the victim has a "shockable rhythm"; advises the operator whether a shock is needed; and then charges itself for the administration of that electric shock. When the operator responds to the prompt to give a shock, an electric current is delivered through the victim's chest wall to the heart.

Install an AED and Save a life

Approximately 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital due to the length of time it takes for emergency personnel to arrive on the scene. Emergency Defibrillators in public places may double survival if there are people trained to use them. Emergency Defibrillators are an absolute necessity in all places of business, schools, athletic programs, and organizations. Several states have recently passed legislation in recognition of the life-saving potential AEDs offer against sudden cardiac arrest. These states specifically mandate the deployment of AEDs in various public places and facilities and contribute to the establishment of the Standard of Care within communities. New York State allows a tax credit to taxpayers for purchasing an automated external defibrillator (Tax Form IT-250 -see below). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) "Near Proximity Rule" requires response to life-threatening emergency within three to four minutes. Accessibility is absolutely critical. Though many facilities are placing emergency defibrillators in their buildings, there still needs to be a major "sense of urgency" to install these emergency defibrillators in convenient locations and in protective wall mounting boxes.

Current statistics from the American Heart Association show that more than 200,000 Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest every year and up to 50,000 of these deaths could have been prevented if automated external defibrillators had been available for immediate use at the time of the emergency.

　

Defibrillators are medical devices used for defibrillation of the heart. Heart defibrillators have a set of two electrodes attached to a central unit. The central unit provides cardiac defibrillators a source of power and control. The two electrodes are placed directly on the patient. The device is designed to deliver an electric shock to the patient in an attempt to stop ventricular and atrial fibrillation of the heart.

　

AED defibrillators are self-contained, portable appliances designed for easy use. Most automatic electronic defibrillators look somewhat like a briefcase, easily carried by a handle. Automatic defibrillators contain a battery, a control computer, and electrodes. When the electrodes are placed on the person, the computer will determine the type of rhythm or arrhythmia present. The control computer will then set necessary power levels and signal that a shock is needed. AEDs will not allow a shock to be delivered if the person does not require defibrillation. Once given the signal to administer a shock, the operator must be certain no one is touching the person and then manually press a button to deploy the shock.

　

Due to their simplistic design, easy operation, and cost efficiency, modern automated defibrillators are now accessible to the general public. They can be found in corporate offices, shopping malls, sports stadiums, college campuses, casinos, airports, schools, community centers, and other places where large groups of people gather and the risk of unexpected cardiac arrest incidents are very likely. As more people begin to understand the importance of AEDs and AED training, the number of devices in the community will continue to grow.

　

DEFIBRILLATORS SAVE LIVES

　

If you’re not sure of purchasing an AED or not, consider this: the American Heart Association states, “The cause of sudden cardiac arrest is not well understood. Many victims have no history of heart disease, or if heart disease is present, it has not functionally impaired them. Unlike a heart attack, which is the death of muscle tissue from loss of blood supply, many victims of SCA have no prior symptoms. SCA can strike anyone, at any time, anywhere.”

With that in mind, if you or someone you know has a heart condition and is vulnerable to a heart attack, purchasing an AED for your home is highly advisable. If you’re a business owner, purchasing an AED is a fantastic way to show your employers and customers that you’re concerned for their welfare. Keep in mind that when the heart stops, there are only a few minutes before brain damage begins and death is imminent. If the response time for your local paramedics is five minutes, a fair estimate for many places, brain damage has most likely started.a