Most Common Myths Surrounding AEDs: Bringing Awareness to Heart Health

February 9, 2021

According to the American Heart Association the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest is less than 10%. The only way someone can survive sudden cardiac arrest is by receiving immediate CPR and being quickly shocked by a Lifeline Automated External Defibrillator (AED). AEDs are starting to be placed in more and more locations. You see them at airports, shopping malls, gyms, supermarkets, and more. If there are more AEDs within our community, why is the survival rate for cardiac arrest not improving?

Many people are still afraid to use an AED. They are unsure if they are qualified and they don’t want to do something wrong. Below we are going to answer five common questions associated with AEDs.
 

What if I shock someone that doesn’t need to be shocked. Can I hurt them?

A person in cardiac arrest will NOT survive without being shocked by an AED quickly.  You cannot shock someone with an AED unless they need to be shocked. When you place the pads on the chest, they will analyze the heart rhythm and determine if a shock is advised or not. If no shock is advised, the AED will not allow you to deliver a shock. 

Do I need to be a medical professional to use an AED?

No, anyone can use an AED! The most important thing to remember is to turn the power on the AED. Once the AED is on, it will talk to you and give you step-by-step instructions on what to do. The Defibtech Lifeline VIEW will not only talk to you, but it will also show you what to do with a video in full-motion color.  Remember, turn the AED on and you will be ready to help save a life!

I am providing CPR, so I don’t need to use an AED, right?

Wrong! CPR is very important and immediate CPR can help save a life, but it isn’t the final piece to the puzzle. CPR buys time and can help circulate blood throughout the body, but someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest needs an electrical shock from an AED to survive. The quicker this shock is administered, the greater the chances of survival. 

We have one AED in our office building, but it’s on the third floor. Is that good enough?

No, it is crucial to have more than one AED in large buildings or spaces. The best way to measure this is if an AED is accessible and can be used on a person within 3 minutes from any location in the building or space. The AED should NOT be locked in an office or a cabinet and should be accessible at all times!

To learn more about Defibtech and to join us on our quest to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, visit www.Defibtech.com.

Sources
https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/cpr-facts-and-stats

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Rzgk3sPR4