The life-saving importance of an AED
In this blog we will give you more information about the AED and why purchasing an AED is an important choice.
AED stands for A utomatic E xternal D efibrillator. It is a portable device that can restore normal heart rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest by means of a controlled electric shock. In the event of cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating and no longer pumps blood around. As a result, the organs do not receive blood and therefore no oxygen.
Cardiac arrest is very life-threatening. According to the Dutch Heart Foundation, approximately 17,000 people per year suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. In 70% of cases of cardiac arrest, a heart attack is the cause. In a heart attack, a coronary artery of the heart unexpectedly becomes blocked. A clear signal is a pressing pain on the chest that can radiate to the rest of the body.
Why choose an AED?
The chance of survival is greatest if the victim is resuscitated within 6 minutes and an AED is connected. After 4 to 6 minutes, brain cells are already irreparably damaged and then other organs are also damaged. The chance of survival decreases by 10% per minute without the right assistance. Giving chest compressions alone is not enough to ‘reset’ the heart and emergency services cannot always be on site within 6 minutes.
To increase the chance of survival, the use of an AED is necessary. The AED provides an electric shock that can restart the normal heart rhythm. Operating the AED is user-friendly, so that one without medical knowledge or background can easily provide assistance with resuscitation.
How does an AED work?
An AED works automatically and gives the rescuer clear instructions on what to do during resuscitation. This can be done either spoken or visually. When the electrodes are attached to the victim, the AED analyses the heart rhythm and then gives instructions to the rescuer. If there is insufficient electrical activity in the body, the AED will give instructions to start resuscitation and perform chest compressions. This ensures that blood is pumped in and out of the heart, which increases the electrical activity again. After this, a shock can often still be administered.
So keep resuscitating until professional help arrives. The AED will continue to analyze the heart rhythm during resuscitation and give instructions accordingly. An AED will never give a shock command if the heart has really stopped or if someone is unconscious, but the heart is functioning properly.
Types of AEDs
When every second counts, the rescuer must be able to act quickly. For example, semi-automatic and fully automatic AEDs are available. With semi-automatic AEDs, the rescuer presses the shock button himself, while with a fully automatic AED, the electric shock is delivered automatically.
There are also AEDs available with a clear LCD screen. The combination of spoken and visual instructions allows the rescuer to react and act faster. This gives the rescuer more confidence for optimal resuscitation. The screen is also very useful in the case of a lot of extra ambient noise or if someone is hard of hearing. This way, help can always be provided with an AED.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone operate an AED?
Everyone may and can use an AED. However, it is recommended to know the basics of resuscitation and an AED. When every second counts, that person must have the confidence when the AED has to be used.
Are there also AEDs for children?
An AED can be used for children from 8 years old or with a weight from 25 kg. There are special children’s electrodes that reduce the shock from 150 Joule to 50 Joule. Recommended to add to the AED for schools, daycare centers, swimming pools, sports complexes, etc.
Is maintenance required on the AED?
It is advisable to have your AED checked periodically, this ensures the correct functioning of the AED. During such a check, our inspectors perform a visual check. The battery and electrodes are checked for expiration date, damage and other irregularities and a self-test is performed.
Can the AED be placed outside?
It is possible to hang the AED outside. There are special outdoor cabinets against extreme weather conditions, where the AED can easily be hung in sight with a clear indication. This way the AED is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that the AED must be checked more regularly when it is hanging outside and do not place it in direct sunlight. Get good information before you purchase an AED cabinet. The universal cabinets are not suitable for outside. Contact us for more information.
Where can I find an AED?
In the Netherlands, more and more AEDs are also being placed in public places, such as at town halls, supermarkets, schools, sports centres, police stations, large offices and at private homes.
Useful to know: Harstlag.nu is the resuscitation call system of the Netherlands. HartslagNu automatically calls citizen responders in the vicinity of a victim. These are people who can perform resuscitation and are registered with the call system. The message that the citizen responders receive contains the location of the victim and whether you go directly to the victim or first pick up an AED.
Benefits of an AED
✓ Quick action due to clear instructions
✓ User-friendly and easy to use
✓ Compact and easy to carry
✓ Anyone can operate an AED
✓ Reliable and safe
✓ Smart device with analysis and self-test function ✓ Increases the victim’s chance of survival
Need more information? Contact us
An AED can save many lives. Purchasing an AED is therefore an important investment. We advise you to make a conscious choice, also for maintenance of the AED. So choose user-friendliness and quality for optimal assistance.
Do you have any questions or would you like more information about purchasing an AED? Please contact the ESE International team. We are available every working day from 08:00 to 17:00 on telephone number: 040-2553700 . You can also use the chat function on our website. If you use the contact form, we will contact you as soon as possible. Do you want to buy an AED ? Then view our wide range of professional AEDs in our webshop.
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