AEDs are Essential for all Businesses

Published: February 15, 2023

It was the first Monday Night Football® game of 2023. We were all glued to the TV. There were 6 minutes to go in the first quarter. The Bengals were up 7-3. Suddenly, what looked like a routine play turned horrific. Buffalo Bills player, Damar Hamlin collapsed and was unresponsive. The medical team immediately reacted, and he was revived – a life was saved. Hamlin survived because he not only received immediate medical attention, but the right safety equipment was readily available and accessible.

We later learned that he survived because of immediate CPR and an electrical shock delivered from an AED. The NFL knows the benefits of having and an Automatic Emergency Defibrillator (AED) on the practice and playing fields. Now the discussion is moving to the local level. Here is information you can share so the right decisions can be made by your customers.

Hamlin suffered sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Medical staff responded and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and they used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore his heartbeat. Without CPR and the use of an AED, he likely would not have survived. SCA can happen to anyone, almost anywhere. It can even happen to someone at your place of work. That is why it is critical to discuss the need for readily accessible AEDs and to purchase them for the workplace.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

SCA is when the heart suddenly loses its normal rhythm and stops pumping the normal supply of blood to a person’s brain and vital organs. That is why Hamlin immediately lost consciousness and collapsed on the field. Although it can be fatal, it is a survivable condition, as in Hamlin’s case.

SCA can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, and at any age. People survive because they are treated immediately with a combination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation by the electrical shock from an AED.

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is emergency lifesaving procedures performed when a person’s heart stops beating. It is administered by one or two people performing chest compressions and rescue breathing, either mouth-to-mouth or with a manual resuscitator. Speedy administration of CPR during cardiac arrest is essential in order to preserve the heart muscle, brain tissue, and the functioning of other essential organs. It is important to remember that CPR does not restart the heart. The chest compressions artificially make the heart pump and push blood from the heart to the vital organs of the body while the AED is being retrieved. The AED is critical to restoring the heartbeat to normal.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED is a portable medical device that analyzes a heart's rhythm and delivers an electrical shock to restart the heart. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, coworkers perform CPR and follow the commands for using the AED. But CPR will not restore the heartbeat to normal. Only an AED can get the heart beating to a regular rate by administering an electrical shock. Chest compressions and breathing resuscitation cease while the AED is taking readings and the shock is administered. Once the heartbeat returns to a normal rate, the patient is then transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

How an AED Works

If an AED is readily available, it can be used to save the life of a person experiencing SCA. The AED has two pads to place on the person’s chest. The AED's computer analyzes the heart’s rhythm and determines if a shock is required. The AED provides audible instructions to guide efforts in saving the person’s life. Once administered, fully automatic AEDs will deliver a shock automatically. The AED typically remains in place until emergency responders arrive.

Availability and Use of AEDs

An AED is a compact, lightweight, lifesaving medical device. Performing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is critical while the AED is removed from the carrying case and pads placed on the person’s chest. The AED works automatically to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to restore heart rhythm to normal. Audio commands from the AED assure safety so that others are not shocked.

Inspection and Maintenance

Every AED needs regular checks and maintenance. AEDs must be routinely inspected, and maintenance performed at least annually. Inspections are typically performed daily or every few days. An automated diagnostic program is used during annual maintenance. This diagnosis provides information on adjustments, replacing components, and restoring the AED to manufacturer specifications.

Replacing Batteries and Pads

Typically, pads have an expiration date printed with the date of manufacture. Also, pads are replaced if the package is compromised or if the gel is dried out. Batteries need replacement prior to expiration dates. Also, the diagnostic program informs you when battery replacement is necessary. Detailed information is available from the manufacturer on AED servicing and the need for replacement of pads and batteries.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, and at any age. AEDs are essential to saving lives. But immediate access is paramount. That is why an AED needs to be in the workplace and readily available. Only an AED can save the life of a person that experiences sudden cardiac arrest.