Chain of Survival: The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Link

Chain of Survival:  The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Link

Chain of Survival: The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Link

For many years, since 2001, in fact, here at our local Bordas & Bordas offices, we have had automated external defibrillator devices, commonly known as AED devices, on-hand.  AED devices are designed to aid in the Chain of Survival when Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs.  The Chain of Survival was developed by the American Heart Association which includes: Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system Early CPR with emphasis on chest compressions Rapid defibrillation                   Effective advanced life support                   Integrated post-cardiac arrest care Immediate recognition and calling 9-1-1 is crucial.  Early CPR calls for starting CPR and continuing until EMS personnel arrive.  Rapid defibrillation is where the AED device comes into play.  The first minutes of an SCA event are critical to helping save a life. Calling EMS personnel to respond is extremely important, however, those first crucial couple of minutes before EMS are on scene are critical in helping to save a life.  Defibrillation, when necessary, can re-start the heart function when a person is in Ventricular Fibrillation (VF).  Effective advanced life support can then be provided when EMS/paramedics arrive and transport to the hospital for integrated post-cardiac arrest care.  When each link in the chain is successful, chances of survival greatly increase. SCA is not the same as a heart attack but calling 9-1-1 and setting into motion a quick response is also vitally important for that type of incident.  The symptoms for sudden cardiac arrest are unresponsiveness, loss of consciousness, lack of pulse and cessation of breathing.   The person in sudden cardiac arrest can also present as pale, off-color and sweaty.  CPR in progress and just prior to the use of the AED device works to help ensure that any necessary shock(s) delivered by the AED device will stop Ventricular Defibrillation and restore the heart rhythm.  Any delay, even seconds, in the time interval between CPR and the delivery of a shock diminishes a successful outcome.  The AED device walks you through each step with voice prompts (depending on the device) and will only deliver a shock if necessary, as well as any additional shocks. The final links of advanced EMS/paramedic care which can provide cardiac meds and/or breathing tubes along with transportation to a hospital elevates the chances of survival.   Each successful link is crucial in the chain of survival. Training in CPR and the use of the AED device is critical.  Our firm provides every member with CPR/AED training on a voluntary basis.  This training is provided by our local fire department for a nominal fee.   Training in the use of the AED device is necessary, as is training in CPR, as each link leads to the other in the Chain of Survival.