|
 Medical Abbreviation: A Closer Look at Automated External Defibrillator
Written By:
Paulette Campbell RN-BC, BSN, MJ
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
Medical Abbreviation |
Medical Diagnosis |
AED |
Automated External Defibrillator |
Over 200,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest due to heart attacks each year. It is estimated over 45,000 of those victims would have a better chance of survival if they were provided early defibrillation with an Automated External Defibrillator (or AED). When someone suffers a cardiac arrest or heart attack emergency, action must take place. There are four links to the cardiac chain of survival;
- Early access to care (calling 911)
- Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Early defibrillation
- Early advanced cardiac life support
Defibrillation is the most critical step in restoring cardiac rhythm and for resuscitating sudden cardiac arrest victims. When sudden cardiac arrest happens, it occurs because there is a problem with the electrical system of the heart. The only chance for survival then is for the heart to receive a shock that can stop that lethal electrical charge (or rhythm) from occurring.
Automated External Defibrillators are key to increasing the chances for survival when this type of event occurs. AED units are usually about the size of a laptop. They can be found in many different settings including medical offices, hospitals, airports, shopping malls and golf courses.
When a victim suffers a cardiac arrest, the AED has two electrical pads that can be applied. Once applied, these pads can measure the heart rate and rhythm. Most often, they are voice enhanced and can tell those assisting the victim if the shock is needed. You do not have to be trained to use these units. Most of them are made to help the lay person provide assistance until emergency personnel arrive on the scene. However, it is preferred and recommended by major healthcare organizations such as the American Red Cross that individuals receiving CPR and AED training are better prepared for such emergencies.
Contact our office today to learn how our medical legal consulting services can change your practice. Our medical legal consulting services will be customized to meet the specific needs of your practice. You can reach us at 630-551-0978 or e-mail us at info@medicaljurisprudence.com.
Reference:
American Red Cross. www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/aed.html |
