The Automated External Defibrillator is a microprocessor controlled and verbally automated device that is able to detect and analyze a person's heart rhythm through electrodes on the victim's chest. The computer inside determines whether or not the person's heart is in a condition called "Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia" or "Ventricular Fibrillation".

The two conditions mentioned occur during Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA is when the largest chambers of the heart quiver and blood is not pumped through the body. Eventually, the heart stops unless an AED delivers an electrical current to the heart. The shock is the only definitive treatment for this condition and can return the heart back into a normal beating heart rhythm. No accidental shocks are given because the machine can detect normal heart rhythms and will verbally advise the operator that no shock is advised. If the victim is not breathing, CPR should be started immediately. The device gives voice automated prompts to guide the operator through whole process.

By allowing the automated external defibrillator to do the analysis and advise you when a shock is needed, the user only has to be responsible for pushing the button. Therefore, in the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, after first making sure that the victim is not breathing and there is no pulse, simply apply the device and leave it in the hands of the AED to make the decision to give the therapy. If defibrillation is not needed, the AED will advise the user, and CPR may begin immediately.

The risk of liability is minimal because of the Good Samaritan laws that every state has passed. Additionally, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Clinton in 2000, provides AED users and acquirers with protection from liability. This will help make AEDs the standard of care for Sudden Cardiac Arrest. With proper training and the AEDs easy-to-use design the risk of misuse is low.

All 50 states have passed Good Samaritan laws that cover properly trained AED users against liability. As of the date of this writing, there have been no lawsuits filed against persons acting in good faith assisting a person who had collapsed, by applying an AED.

All 50 states have Good Samaritan laws to protect laypeople who provide CPR and administrate an AED in good faith.

An AED costs about the same as a computer. With its warranty and five-year battery, an AED offers a very low cost of ownership through the life of the AED. On average, an Automated External Defibrillator, Carrying Case, and initial set of Lithium Batteries (good for several years) will run between $2,500 and $3,000.

It is important that an AED protocol is established for your program. Our medical director recommends that each protocol must include indications for AED use, contraindications, procedures for its use, reporting procedures, maintenance, and quality assurance procedures.

The first step is to work with the principal people within your establishment. It is also important to involve people such as a medical director, occupational nurse, human resources director, security director, or a safety/CPR training coordinator in program planning. We can help deploy an educational curriculum to support the implementation of AEDs. Factors to take into account when implementing an AED program are:

1. Facility security
2. Location
3. Size of facility
4. Number of employees and visitors

The AED should placed in a visible and easily accessible location where a four-minute response time can be achieved. The AEDs convenient carrying case allows for easy mobility and the available wall mount accessory allows for stationary placement.

Listed are recommended areas for AED placement:
· In a medical clinic (if available).
· In a reception or common area
· Near a fire extinguisher.
· With a safety response team member.
· With a security officer.
· On board a corporate jet
· Football stadium

There is a very good chance emergency medical services (EMS) cannot respond fast enough to save someone in cardiac arrest, particularly in congested urban areas, high-rise buildings, large facilities or in rural areas. In fact, the national average response time is 10-12 minutes, so even the best EMS responders could have difficulty arriving in time. Besides traffic, consider the time needed to make it through building security and all the way to a victim.

Regulation on the use of AEDs is common, and minimum training requirements vary from state to state. In many cases, a simple course including CPR and AED training is all that is required. At Training For Life we offer the HeartSaver™ AED course, which can be completed in less than four hours. The National Safety Council® and other training organizations, such as the American Red Cross, also offer training programs.