Mobile FireRescue Department EMS Division EMS Chief AED

Mobile Fire-Rescue Department EMS Division EMS Chief AED PRESENTATION

What Are AEDs? q Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) allow trained lay rescuers to successfully deliver defibrillation even before EMS can arrive. q AEDs are safe, effective, lightweight, durable, low maintenance and easy to use. q AEDs interpret heart rhythm and determine if a shock is required. The unit prompts the rescuer to deliver the shock, if necessary. An AED will NOT shock someone who does not need defibrillation.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? l The heart stops abruptly and unconsciousness follows l Usually caused by Ventricular Fibrillation (abnormal chaotic heart rhythm which causes the heart’s pumping action to quickly stop). Not the same as heart attack Results in death if not treated immediately for The ONLY known solution l EARLY DEFIBRILLATION ventricular fibrillation is. . .

Where Do Most Sudden Cardiac Arrests Occur? Most Sudden cardiac arrests occur in the home followed by public locations, such as: q q q Work Sites Airports Churches Event Centers Anywhere large amounts of people congregate

The Impact of Sudden Cardiac Arrest l 340, 000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) - that is about 900 per day! l 90% of SCAs occur outside of the hospital l Less than 5% survive SCA l If AEDs were more readily available, approximately 50, 000 lives could be saved each year

What Can YOU do to Help? Be a Strong Link in the Chain of Survival Early Defibrillati on

What About Liability? l You are Covered by Law: l l Alabama’s Good Samaritan Act Federal Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA) l A person experiencing an SCA is clinically dead. Use of an AED to resuscitate can do no additional harm l Perceived standard of care l Proving medical causation is extremely difficult (who caused the death)

Get the Patient to the Hospital

QUESTIONS THE END