In medical terms, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are ‘red alert words’ for sudden cardiac arrests. People who have been diagnosed with such conditions tend to suffer from disruptive heartbeat with the occasional fast rate (tachycardia).
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is often considered as the first mediation route for sudden cardiac arrests. However, only the process of defibrillation is able to restore the heart’s rhythm and ensure survival.
Automated External Defibrillators (AED) is a revolutionary and handy tool, which patients or concerned individuals can utilize to ward off a sudden heart attack.
One of the main benefits of AED in mediating sudden cardiac arrests is its working model. Once connected to the chest, it would monitor the heart rhythm and deliver the electric shock accordingly. Despite of its simple functionality, there are misconceptions regarding the use of the device.
Automated defibrillators and its modalities
A study done by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), reports that 95 percent of victims suffering a sudden heart attack die before reaching the hospital. AED offers a safety valve since there is a matter of five to ten seconds to ensure survival of the victim. It was found that AEDs are able to improve the survival rate by 60%, a significant lifesaving figure.
Domestic use AEDs are available without prescription. However, there are concerns regarding the electric malfunctioning of AEDs. This issue can be easily mediated if users buy FDA approved AEDs.
Currently, the only AED approved for home use is the Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator. Using a lifesaving therapy delivery model, it’s an item of great utility to have. A recent development in this model is the availability of a longer lasting battery, m5070a, which adds to the survival utility. Furthermore, accessories such as these serve as good collateral in times of emergency.
The regulatory approval allows convenient usage of the AED and also caters to ‘concerns’. The second aspect in this regard is that of the legal compliance. A Cardiac Arrest Survival Act was passed in 2000, which caters to the usage of AEDs without liability risks. A resource has been collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures, allowing users to note the law as per their individual states.
The American Heart Association (AHA) also has strongly recommended organizations to have AED programs in which employees can be made aware of the usage of the device and prevent workplace heart attack fatalities. Figures indicate that about 10,000 of sudden cardiac attacks occur at workplaces. The wait for the arrival of emergency medical system (EMS) personnel reduces the survival rate to a mere 5 to 7 percent. AEDs in such a situation can be a handy device.
The evidences provided above would clearly allay fears and misconceptions regarding the use of AEDs and their utility. Not only are AEDs evolving as an effective sudden cardiac arrest control method, but also are being used in research models to develop new devices.
Evidence for this can be seen in a new device developed at the Orlando Health Heart Institute in Florida. Researchers have developed an implantable device which doesn’t come in contact with the heart or its vessels. This model would allow devices to be planted in the skin without having to undergo a surgery.
The objective of achieving wellness is refined when users can benefit from technology. AED represents one such avenue to ward off cardiac arrests, a major health concern.
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