Pianist saved at ski resort
A musician was moving sound equipment into the restaurant of a ski resort to set up for a performance when his heart went into cardiac arrest, causing him to fall and strike his head. Fortunately, two of the resort's safety officers quickly arrived with a recently acquired automated external defibrillator (AED). After the pads were placed on his torso, the AED detected an irregular heart rhythm and verbally instructed the responders to press the shock button. Three separate shocks were administered before the musician's heart returned to a normal rhythm.
Every minute counts
More than 95 percent of those suffering cardiac arrest die before reaching the hospital. However,
in instances where defibrillation occurs within five to seven minutes of the heart attack, the survival rate jumps as high as 49 percent. The ideal time frame is three to five minutes. The American Heart Association asserts that an individual's chance of survival decreases by 10 percent for every minute that passes by without intervention. The location of an AED within a building can be a deciding factor for someone's survival; the more AEDs there are, the better.
What is an AED?
AEDs are portable machines, approximately the size of a briefcase, that use electrode pads placed on the patient's body to diagnose irregular heartbeats, and, if necessary, generate an electrical charge to stimulate the heart to return to its normal rhythm. Training is suggested for AEDs; however most models have an automated voice to guide you through the procedures even if you are not experienced or have forgotten how to use one.
Most AEDs cost between $1,500 and $2,000, and are available in an increasing number of public places.
The new Oregon AED law
Starting in 2010, Oregon businesses must comply with new laws which require the owner of a place
of public assembly to have at least one AED on their premises. "Place of public assembly" is defined as a single building that has 50,000 square feet or more of indoor floor space and where the public congregates for purposes such as deliberation, shopping, entertainment, amusement, or awaiting transportation, or where business activities are conducted, and at least 50 individuals congregate on a normal business day. Community colleges and state universities must have at least one AED on campus, regardless of the floor space of the buildings.
Safety Quiz
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States. How many lives does it claim annually?
A. 1,000
B. 50,000
C. 350,000 [correct answer]
D. 900,000
Nearly 1,000 lives are lost to sudden cardiac arrest every day. Source: American Heart Association