An automated external defibrillator (AED). AEDs can be used to help victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States. It can happen anywhere, to anyone, any time, without warning, without symptoms, and regardless of age or general health. Victims have a better chance of survival when defibrillated within the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended response time of three to five minutes.

Defibrillation is the only definitive treatment for converting ventricular fibrillation, the heart rhythm of people in sudden cardiac arrest.

Time is Critical

For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, the chances of surviving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are reduced by approximately 10%. Survival chances drop particularly fast in the first five minutes.

• Since rapid time to defibrillation is so critical, expanding the number of early defibrillator responders offers SCA patients a real chance to survive an otherwise lethal event.
• In fact, by extending CPR and defibrillation skills using AEDs to more responders, survival rates have increased in many settings.

As with any safety device -- fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, First Aid kits, etc. -- AEDs belong in any facility where people gather.

Some states, including Illinois, have passed laws that mandate placement of AEDs in certain facilities such as schools, health clubs and wherever any cardiovascular exertion occurs.

Other key facilities include:

• Schools and day-care facilities
• Businesses, offices and industrial manufacturing facilities
• Athletic/recreational complexes
• Churches, theaters and airports
• Transportation vehicles, such as trains, buses, airplanes and local rail systems
• Shopping malls
• Community centers
• First responders, such as police and fire departments and EMS providers.
• Public municipality vehicles, including utility trucks
• OSHA also highly recommends placement of AEDs in all work environments.

1. Get trained in CPR/AED and encourages other to do so, as well. The life saved may be yours.
2. When visiting any facility, check to see if it has an AED on the premises. If not, encourage managers to establish a Medical Emergency Response plan to include CPR training and AED placement.
3. Understand that the “Good Samaritan Act” protects you when using an AED to help save a life.
4. Become familiar with AEDs. They are easy to use and give clear verbal operating instructions, including in Spanish.

For more information and to become part of the HeartStart Community, call Kathy Becker at (309) 677-7272, Ext. 211. E-mail Kathy.