Automated external defibrillator

First, determine patient responsiveness. If there is no response, immediately activate the emergency medical response team and obtain an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. 

The nursing fundamentals practiced in normal daily situations and during smaller crises will be applicable during a special event or mass casualty situation. All nurses providing health care at mass gatherings must be competent in the basic principles of first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of the automated external defibrillator. In addition, the nurse should possess the following minimum core competencies ... 

The minimum temperature of a vapor and air mixture at which it is marginally self-igniting in the absence of an independent ignition source, such as a spark or flame. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)... 

An AED is an electronic device designed to deliver an electric shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation may be restored to normal rhythm up to 60 percent of the time if treated promptly with an AED, a procedure called defibril-lation. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that approximately 890 deaths from coronary heart disease occur outside of the hospital or emergency room every day. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2001 and 2002, there were reported 6628 workplace fatalities 1216 from heart attack, 354 from electric shock, and 267 from asphyxia. The AHA and OSHA have estimated that up to 60 percent of these victims might have been saved if automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were immediately available. Chances of survival from sudden cardiac death diminish by 7 to 10 percent for each minute without immediate CPR or defibrillation. After 10 minutes, resuscitation rarely succeeds. See Figure A.7 for an AED provided in a wall-mounted case. 

Automated External Defibrillators Saving Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims in the Woricplace (OSHA 3185—2003). 

Employees trained in first aid, CPR providers, physician care, and emergency medical care must be available for all shifts within a reasonable time and distance. The applicant or participant may consider, based on site conditions, providing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and training in their use. 

Defibrillators. A heart that has just stopped beating or that is pumping with no apparent rhythm may be restarted with an electrical charge delivered by a defibrillator. The shock disrupts the chaotic heart action and allows the sinoatrial node to resume its regulatory function. Automated external defibrillators are becoming increasingly available for emergency situations in public places. When activated, these machines deliver audible instructions so that untrained bystanders may use them effectively. 

Simple to use. Simple to own. Simple to maintain. The LIFEPAK CR Plus automated external defibrillator is the effective, safe and affordable choice. The CR Plus gives your workplace the same trusted technology used by more EMS and hospital units than any other brand. For more information, visit Physio-Control, Inc. at www.crpluspower.com. Grofe305... 

A response to emergencies will also involve the consideration and maintenance of physical systems. This could include adequate coverage and operation of a sprinkler system and fire extinguishers. It could also include the location, maintenance, and operation of automated external defibrillators. Systems and equipment need to be identified, and a process must be put in place to ensure that they remain operational. 

According to a new study, nearly a quarter of the cardiac arrest deaths Unlffid to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) from 1993 to 2008 were due to dead batteries in the devices. 

No other automated external defibrillator on the market offers a more bystander friendly solution to saving lives. AEDs with audio capabilities alone have not Increased bystander intervention to sudden cardiac arrest victims. ... 

HeartSine Technologies, Inc. (www.heart-sine.com), a world leader in personal and public access defibrillators, announced the donation of the Samaritan PAD 300P Public Access Defibrillator to Camphill Special School, a community and a school serving children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. HeartSine s lifesaving Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is now available for Camphill staff, enabling them to administer treatment in the case of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). 

Must employees be trained to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) ... 

Some institutions have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available. AEDs are relatively easy to use and instructions are listed clearly on the devices. Using an AED requires that you have determined that the person does not have a pulse or is unconscious, and it must be used within minutes of sudden... 

The answer to that question may depend upon whether or not your worksite has an automated external defibrillator (AED) program in place. An AED is an electronic device that delivers an electric shock to someone who has suffered SCA or whose heart is beating irregularly. 

Few investments can make more of a difference to the safety of a facility and its staff than an automated external defibrillator (AED). But these critical devices don t last forever. 

AED s (Automated External Defibrillators) Interpret the rhythm for the user and advise with audio instructions. Often seen in public places and in non-cardiac specific clinical settings... 

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