Download Defibtech MD: New AED Program Optimizes Lifesaving Readiness

MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Contact: Ray Valek, 708-352-8695
[email protected]
DEFIBTECHMD FAQ
What is DefibtechMD?
DefibtechMD is a comprehensive AED management and medical oversight program for the deployment of
automated external defibrillators (AEDs). DefibtechMD takes the importance of having an AED a step further by
offering all of the services associated with a successful, state-of-the-art AED initiative.
What are the key state-of-the-art components of DefibtechMD?
The components of this turnkey approach to AED program management are:
1. A high-quality, easy-to-use AED.
2. Medical oversight and direction.
3. A Web-enabled tracking and maintenance system that is accessible by all program participants.
4. Standardized AED/CPR training and communication.
5. Continual program evaluation and improvement.
Why was DefibtechMD developed?
Defibtech MD was developed to enhance emergency response to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victims and
reduce customer liability risk. As a full-service approach to AED program management, DefibtechMD
provides a system of accountability that helps assure that every prudent precaution is taken.
Who is responsible for managing DefibtechMD?
While the owner of the AED is ultimately responsible for its use, the great thing about DefibtechMD is
that it links AED program participants (manufacturer, distributor, medical director, customer, trainer,
local EMS, etc.) in one, integrated effort. This integration provides an automated system of checks and
balances that keeps program participants well-informed and accountable to each other.
How does DefibtechMD keep all participants informed and accountable?
DefibtechMD provides “closed-loop” data tracking. This Web-enabled system keeps all program
stakeholders up-to-date on AED status, maintenance and personnel training and holds them accountable
to each other by issuing electronic reminders, alerts and delinquency reports. This system of checks and
balances generally results in excellent maintenance compliance, reducing the potential of an unsuccessful
response and liability if an emergency occurs.
Where can DefibtechMD be implemented?
DefibtechMD can be implemented anywhere several AEDs must be managed: workplaces, schools,
medical and dental offices, police and fire/EMS organizations, public and commercial buildings, and
more.
How does DefibtechMD reduce liability risk?
As AEDs become more commonplace, they are increasingly seen by communities as a required standard
of care. DefibtechMD helps to ensure AED readiness, training and maintenance, which results in quick
response and saved lives. Lawsuits have been filed against public facilities or employers when deaths
occurred after AEDs were not available in an emergency, when staff did not properly use AEDs due to a
lack of training, and when AEDs did not function due to improper maintenance.
(continued)
Page Two, DefibtechMD FAQ
What’s the consequence of not having AEDs available or ready?
In 2005, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority settled a wrongful-death lawsuit against it and
Amtrak for $3.9 million, according to a report in the Boston Globe. A $25 million lawsuit was filed by a
widow of a prominent scientist who died after suffering cardiac arrest on a commuter train. She claimed
a delay of more than 20 minutes in bringing a defibrillator to his aid caused his death. According to the
report, the claimant and her lawyers decided to settle because the MBTA improved its emergency plans
after the incident, including placing 60 defibrillators in subway stations, some commuter rail stations, and
vehicles.
Recently, a man died of SCA in a major airport. When witnesses brought two separate AEDs to his side
to try to save his life, one had ‘expired’ electrode pads and the second had an ‘expired’ battery pack.
Thus, the AEDs could not work properly as intended. This latest incident is only one of many over the
past few years that have called into question whether AEDs are properly maintained. The airport incident
has placed the management of the airport's AED program under intense public scrutiny.
What kind of medical direction and oversight does DefibtechMD provide?
DefibtechMD provides a physician prescription for an AED program, as required by federal law. The
program also facilitates having a physician serve as a program’s medical director and makes sure the
program's policies and procedures meet all federal and state regulations. This is important because state &
local laws regarding training, liability and other issues can vary. DefibtechMD also consults on training,
AED tracking and maintenance, and AEDs site placement assistance. To increase the chance for quick
response, an AED should be placed no further than 90 seconds of brisk walking distance--about 100
yards--from any point in a workplace or public space. Physicians also review SCA event data after AED
use and provide a summary analysis of events, including the heart rhythm detected, the victim’s response
to AED treatment, and the overall time sequence of events.
What kind of training is provided through Defibtech MD?
DefibtechMD provides an effective AED/CPR training program that turns employees into an effective
and confident team of potential life-savers. Organizations are generally held liable for negligence in an
SCA event when AEDs are not available or do not work, or when employees do not know about the
availability of AEDs. These situations can be avoided through a proactive, top-to-bottom program
involving training and communication about AEDs, CPR, and SCA to all employees. Defibtech MD helps
organizations decide how many employees should be trained in AED and CPR response, after weighing
several factors including the nature of the workplace or public facility, the prevalence of SCA risk factors
in the workforce, and budget. A good rule of thumb for the number to train is five individuals, per shift,
for each AED. So if a workplace has 10 AEDs and runs three shifts, optimally it should train 150 people.
Why are public-access defibrillators important?
AEDs revive victims of SCA caused by ventricular fibrillation. National health experts estimate that SCA
kills over 400,000 people in the United States each year. Studies show that if victims are defibrillated
within a minute or two after arrest, more than 70 percent survive. If defibrillation is delayed for more
than 10 minutes, only 5 percent live, making immediate access to AEDs vital.
Diligent employers and public facility managers consider AED deployment an important aspect of a
comprehensive health and safety program, especially because SCA causes 13 percent of workplace
fatalities, according to OSHA. A study of public-access defibrillation published by the New England
Journal of Medicine in 2004 concluded that training persons in early defibrillation within a structured
response system can greatly increase the number of SCA survivors. OSHA, the American Safety and
Health Institute (ASHI), the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the
American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council. Among others,
all endorse AEDs in workplaces and public areas.
(continued)
Page Three, DefibtechMD FAQ
How can DefibtechMD be purchased?
DefibtechMD services are available solely through Defibtech’s worldwide network of distributors, who
serve as ‘one-stop-shop’ solution providers to their customers. Whether through comprehensive, ‘turnkey’ services or one singular service, DefibtechMD can help customers implement effective AED
programs that are ready to save lives.
For more information, please call DefibtechMD at 1-877-378-9772 or visit www.defibtechmd.com