In the past year, approximately 250,000 Americans died of sudden cardiac arrest: nearly one death every two minutes. Up to 100,000 of these deaths could have been prevented if someone had initiated the Cardiac Chain of Survival and an automated external defibrillator (AED) had been available for immediate use at the time of the emergency.

Automated External Defibrillator

What is an A.E.D.?

An A.E.D. is a small, portable device that analyzes the heart's rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, directs the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to the heart of someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. This shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
 

How does an AED work?

An A.E.D. uses voice prompts to instruct the rescuer. Once the machine is turned on, the rescuer will be prompted to apply two pads provided with the A.E.D. to the victim's chest. Once applied, the A.E.D. will begin to monitor the victim's heart rhythm. If a "shockable" rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct the rescuer to stand clear of the victim and to press the shock button.

What is the Cardiac Chain of Survival?

The Cardiac Chain of Survival is a series of four critical steps. All four steps of the chain must be present to help ensure survival from sudden cardiac arrest. The four steps are:

• Step one: Early access to care (calling 911 or another emergency number)

• Step two: Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

• Step three: Early defibrillation

• Step four: Early advanced cardiac life support as needed

The third step, delivering an electrical shock to the heart, which is known as defibrillation, is recognized as the most critical step in restoring cardiac rhythm and resuscitating a victim of SCA.

 

If an A.E.D. is so easy to use, why do I need training?

Training is necessary in order to understand the role of defibrillation in the broader context of the Cardiac Chain of Survival. Training in CPR and A.E.D. skills will enable the rescuer to use all the steps in the Cardiac Chain of Survival, thereby significantly increasing the victim's chance of survival. Many states now have A.E.D. Good Samaritan provisions generally designed to help protect layperson rescuers in certain cases.

 

How can the American Red Cross help?

American Red Cross courses combine CPR training with instruction in automated external defibrillation; the two skills needed to save the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. Currently, A.E.D. training is an integral part of our Adult CPR / A.E.D. and Standard First Aid courses. In addition, general A.E.D. information is provided in CPR courses that do not teach A.E.D. skills. We invite you to learn more about the exciting technology and training that could save the life of a family member, a co-worker, a friend or even your own.

 

How can the Red Cross assist in the purchase of an AED?

In return for the Red Cross's role in educating the public concerning the importance of A.E.D.'s for public health and safety, public access to defibrillation, and the safe and proper use of A.E.D.'s agreements have been established with A.E.D. manufacturers that include Philips. These agreements, among other things, allow the Wyoming Valley Chapter, in conjunction with Red Cross A.E.D. training, to facilitate the sale of A.E.D.'s between the A.E.D. manufacturer and A.E.D. purchasers.

 

Who do I contact for more information?

For information about A.E.D. training or how you can purchase an A.E.D. directly from an A.E.D. manufacturer, please contact Kristen Sampson in the Health and Safety Services Department at (570) 207-0116,  or by e-mail. .