Download Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Rescue Division

Mobile Fire-Rescue Department
EMS Division
EMS Chief
AED PRESENTATION
What Are AEDs?

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) allow
trained lay rescuers to successfully deliver
defibrillation even before EMS can arrive.

AEDs are safe, effective, lightweight, durable,
low maintenance and easy to use.

AEDs interpret heart rhythm and determine if
a shock is required. The unit
prompts the rescuer to deliver the
shock, if necessary. An AED will
NOT shock someone who does not
need defibrillation.
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

The heart stops abruptly and unconsciousness
follows

Usually caused by Ventricular Fibrillation
(abnormal chaotic heart rhythm which causes the
heart’s pumping action to quickly stop). Not the
same as heart attack
   
 for
The ONLY known solution

Results in death if not treated immediately
EARLY
DEFIBRILLATION
ventricular fibrillation is . . .
Where Do Most Sudden Cardiac
Arrests Occur?
Most Sudden cardiac arrests occur
in the home
followed by public locations,
such as:





Work Sites
Airports
Churches
Event Centers
Anywhere large amounts
of people congregate
The Impact of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

340,000 people die each year from sudden
cardiac arrest (SCA) - that is about 900 per
day!

90% of SCAs occur outside of the hospital

Less than 5% survive SCA

If AEDs were more readily
available, approximately
50,000 lives could be saved
each year
What Can YOU do to Help?
Be a Strong Link in the
Chain of Survival
Early
Defibrillation
What About Liability?

You are Covered by Law:


Alabama’s Good Samaritan Act
Federal Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA)

A person experiencing an SCA is
clinically dead. Use of an AED to
resuscitate can do no additional harm

Perceived standard of care

Proving medical causation is
extremely difficult (who caused
the death)
Get the Patient to the Hospital
QUESTIONS
THE END