AED Forum

AED Training AED Classes

In association with Onsite Medical Solutions, one of the nation’s leading provider of onsite AED & CPR training, we offer customized training programs for your organization. Because the chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest decreases by 10% with every minute that passes, defibrillation must be administered quickly following the collapse. Just having an AED is not enough.

You need more than just an AED to effectively save lives. A vital component of every AED program is proper training, medical direction, and program management. We are dedicated to the creation of safe workplaces for large corporations, regional businesses, schools and federal, state, and local government agencies by focusing on preparedness for and proper response to medical emergencies, including sudden cardiac arrest.

The benefits:

• Customized AED solutions that require very little lead-time.
• Easy to implement AED programs.
• Comprehensive programs, on-site training that ensures optimal protection for employees and visitors.
• No administrative and logistical headaches.

Having a well-thought out program that addresses all of these issues will give a responder the best chance of saving someone’s life from sudden cardiac arrest. We offer resources on training and program management, emergency preparedness training, & cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training & devices for implementing and maintaining a workplace defibrillation program that focuses on preparedness for and proper response to medical emergencies that occur everyday for large, multi-facility organizations.

Onsite Medical Solutions is an American Heart Association Training Site.

For a Quote please fill form below:

Where can I buy a Zoll AED Plus Defibrillator?

Try buying your Zoll AED for Onsite Medical Solutoins at: www.zollaedplusdefibrillator.com 

They currently have phone order special pricing and discounts.

They mainly sell the Zoll AED Plus Defibrillator, CPR D Padz & AED Wall Cabinets.

You may also Call them at 866-ZOLL-AED.

AED for Workplace - Should your work have an AED?

By Vicki Bell, Web Content Manager

This article explores the facts about AEDs, the legalities surrounding their use by laypersons, and guidelines for implementing an AED program in the workplace.

In December 2001 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a statement encouraging employers to consider making automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available in their workplaces. This announcement followed the November 2000 Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA), a law that called for placing AEDs in federal buildings. AEDs are an important lifesaving technology and may have a role to play in treating workplace cardiac arrest.

At the time of its announcement, OSHA stated that 13 percent of workplace fatalities reported during the previous two years were due to cardiac arrests. Most cardiac arrests are caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, usually ventricular fibrillation (VF), in which the heartbeat quivers or flutters rather than pumps. The only treatment for VF is electrical defibrillation—shocking the heartbeat into a regular rhythm.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), AEDs are important because they strengthen the chain of survival. When a person has a cardiac arrest, his or her chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10 percent for each minute that passes without defibrillation.

How AEDs Work

Unlike the manual defibrillators that have been used in clinical and emergency medical services (EMS) for nearly 50 years, AEDs, which were introduced in 1979, contain built-in computers that evaluate the victim’s heart rhythm and judge whether defibrillation is needed. Some AEDs then prompt the user to deliver a shock. Fully automatic defibrillators deliver a shock without prompting the user to press a shock button. The current is delivered through the victim’s chest wall through adhesive electrode pads.

Are AEDs Safe to Use?

The AHA stated that an AED is safe to use by anyone who’s been trained to operate it. Studies have shown that the devices accurately detect a rhythm that should be defibrillated 90 percent of the time and when not to shock 99 percent of the time. AEDs are designed with multiple safeguards and warnings and are programmed to deliver a shock only when VF has been detected.

Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association.

However, potential dangers are associated with AED use. Untrained users may not know when to use an AED, and they may not use the device safely, exposing themselves and others to electric shock.

It’s possible to be shocked or to shock bystanders if water is standing near or underneath the victim. The victim should be moved to a dry area and any wet clothing removed. The victim’s skin must be dry or the electrode pads won’t adhere to the skin. At no time should anyone touch the victim while the shock is being administered.

AEDs should not be used on a child younger than 8 years old or weighing less than 55 lbs.

The Importance of Training

The AHA, the Red Cross, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), and OSHA are among the many organizations that strongly recommend training for laypersons who might be called on to use AEDs—both in the use of AEDs and in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The AHA offers the Heartsaver AED course and the Red Cross offers an adult CPR/AED course.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), along with the AHA, is conducting a study to determine if it is realistic and cost-effective to train large numbers of people to use AEDs. The study is scheduled to be completed in 2003.

The Legalities

Many businesses are reluctant to implement an AED program, fearing the possibility of lawsuit. A 2001 information sheet from the AHA stated, “There have been no known lawsuits against lay rescuers providing CPR as Good Samaritans, nor any against AED users. However, the perceived potential for a suit against a lay rescuer using an AED has in some cases been a deterrent for companies or organizations considering establishing an [AED] program.”

If you want to research the laws in your state, visit www.csg.org to see a listing of state Web sites. Also, your state’s EMS department (usually part of the state Health Department) can provide information.

The AHA also recommends consulting your company’s legal advisors and taking the following information into consideration:

Cardiac arrest victims essentially are already dead. They lose consciousness, have no pulse, and stop breathing in a matter of only a few moments. Most often the heart’s rhythmic contractions become ineffective, chaotic spasms so the heart can’t pump blood to the brain or the rest of the body. The only thing that can change this condition is defibrillation. Using an AED can only help, not harm.

Modern AEDs are safe and easy to use.

The accuracy of an AED is greater than that of a trained emergency medical professional.

To sue an AED user or purchaser successfully, four essential elements must be proven—duty, breach of duty, causation of injury, and legally recognized damages.

Training targeted rescuers in CPR and AED use provides the knowledge to use both safely. AHA’s Heartsaver AED course also instructs how to minimize risks to the user and victim in unusual cases, such as when the victim is lying in a pool of water, has an implanted defibrillator, or is on a metal surface.

Most AED manufacturers offer some type of insurance to purchasers of their devices.

The AHA also sees a changing trend. As awareness of the new generation of AEDs grows, companies and organizations may face greater threat of liability if they aren’t properly prepared to respond in a timely manner to a cardiac emergency. Three lawsuits filed against companies that weren’t prepared substantiate the changing trend. In 1996 Busch Gardens® was found negligent for not being prepared and not having a defibrillator to respond to a 13-year-old guest.

Lufthansa Airlines also was found negligent because it failed to provide appropriate treatment to a passenger who suffered a cardiac arrest. United Airlines faced a similar suit.

Setting up Your AED Program

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons of having an AED on-site and have decided to provide one in your workplace, how do you proceed? The ACOEM recommends that employer-sponsored programs include all of the following elements:

1. A centralized management system for the program – It is important that clear lines of responsibility be established for the program and that roles are defined for those who oversee and monitor the program.

2. Medical direction and control of the program – It is recommended that all workplace AED programs be under the direction and control of an appropriately qualified physician. Specific areas in which medical direction is important include providing the written authorization required in most locations to acquire an AED, ensuring provisions are made for appropriate initial and continued AED training, and performing a case-by-case review each time an AED is used at the site. Additional responsibilities would include establishing or integrating the AED program with a quality control system, compliance with regulatory requirements, and ensuring proper interface with EMS.

It also is recommended that administrative coordination of the program be provided by a licensed health care professional or an appropriately qualified health or safety professional responsible for workplace emergency programs. The administrative coordinator in consultation with the program medical director for issues of medical control should supervise the day-to-day management of the program.

3. Awareness of and compliance with federal and state regulations – This includes regulations requiring that every person expected to use an AED be properly trained in both CPR and AED use. Skills should be reviewed and conducted at least annually, preferably semiannually.

4. A written AED program for each location – It is recommended that each of the 12 elements stated in this guideline be incorporated in the written document to be posted at each location.

5. Coordination with local emergency medical services – Required by many state regulations, information about each workplace AED program should be communicated to EMS providers and coordinated with EMS response protocols.

6. Integration with an overall emergency response plan for the work site – It is recommended that the AED program be a component of a more general medical emergency response plan, rather than a freestanding program. The medical emergency response plan should describe in sufficient detail the continuum of personnel, equipment, information, and site activities associated with managing the range of anticipated occupational injuries and illnesses for a patient who is not breathing or in cardiac arrest. All employees should be notified of the plan, including the proper means for notifying trained internal and community emergency responders.

The part of the plan covering the AED component should contain the following:

a. Notification of workplace medical personnel and first aid responders during all operating times of the site

b. Assessment of the situation by the first trained responders at the scene

c. Notification to the community EMS system

d. Appropriate first aid, including body substance isolation procedures and use of CPR and AEDs by first aid responders if indicated

e. Clinically appropriate patient transport from workplace to medical facility, including how appropriate continuation of care will be ensured

f. Responder debriefing and equipment replacement

g. Methods to review the follow-up care received by the patient

7. Selection and technical consideration of AEDs – It is recommended that selection of AED equipment be based on the most current recommendations of the AHA available in Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. These guidelines state that compared to higher-energy escalating (200 joules, 300 J, 360 J) monophasic-waveform defibrillators, relative low-energy (200 J) biphasic-waveform defibrillation devices have been shown to be safe and of equivalent or higher efficacy for termination of VF. If a higher-energy escalating monophasic defibrillator has been acquired previously, it may be used as long as training of responders adequately addresses particular aspects of such devices.

8. Ancillary medical equipment and supplies for the workplace AED program – Besides the AED, other medical equipment and supplies are required to support the safe, complete management of cardiac emergencies, including:

a. Bloodborne pathogens responder and cleanup kits

b. CPR barrier masks with oxygen port

c. AED responder kits to support electrode pad connections. (Items include a razor to shave chest hair and a towel to dry sweat from the chest or after removal of a nitroglycerine transdermal patch.)

d. Appropriate portable emergence oxygen equipment

e. A CPR audio prompting device to guide action and timing sequences of CPR ventilation and compressions

9. Assessment of the proper number and placement of AEDs and supplies – It is recommended that placement be no more than 5 minutes away from possible sites of cardiac arrest.

10. Scheduled maintenance and replacement of AED and ancillary equipment – The manufacturer’s recommended service schedules should be followed or exceeded, and records of all servicing, testing, and replacement testing should be kept.

11. An AED quality assurance program – The QA program should contain at least the following components: a medical review of each use of the AED; recordkeeping of all training, AED locations, service, updates, and medical reviews; and a program evaluation to assess the efficacy of the program and a system to remediate or improve components as necessary.

12. Periodic review and modification of the program protocols.

The complete ACOEM guidelines can be found at http://www.acoem.com/guidelines/article.asp?ID=41.

Properly implemented, an AED integrated with your medical emergency response plan can be a true lifesaver.

BUY AN AED TODAY CALL: 866-ZOLL-AED or visit www.zollaedplusdefibrillator.com

Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator

The Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator. It’s the latest in essential safety equipment. Fire extinguishers. Seat belts. Airbags. Home security systems. All essential safety equipment to protect yourself and your loved ones. You know they are there, silently standing by, just in case. They give you peace of mind so that you can focus on life’s good things.

Step 1: After calling 911, grab HeartStart and place it next to the victim. Pull the green handle to begin the automated voice instructions.

Step 2: Remove clothing from the patient’s torso. Cut clothing if needed. It is important that the patient’s chest is bare.

Step 3: Peel open the protective cover and take out the white adhesive pads.

Step 4: Look closely at the pictures on the white adhesive pads. Follow the voice instructions to remove the pads from the yellow plastic liner and place exactly as shown in the pictures on the victim’s chest.

Step 5: Once the pads are in place, HeartStart will automatically analyze the victim’s heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. If a shock is required, press the flashing orange button to deliver the shock. Do not touch the patient until you are instructed that it is safe to do so.

Step 6: If needed, begin CPR. Press the flashing blue button for step-by-step CPR coaching. Continue to follow HeartStart’s instructions until professional emergency responders arrive.

The Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator: It’s the latest in essential safety equipment. See the Heartstart video. You can also take a product tour.

Be prepared for the unexpected.
When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes, the electrical system of the heart short circuits, causing the heart to quiver rather than pump in a normal rhythm. It typically results in the abnormal heart rhythm know as ventricular fibrillation (VF). It usually happens without warning and the majority of people have no previously recognized symptoms of heart disease. And it most often happens at home. For the best chance of survival from SCA caused by VF, a defibrillator should be used within 5 minutes. Yet, less than 1 in 20 people survive largely because a defibrillator does not arrive in time.

Just as seat belts or airbags do not save every life in a traffic accident, a defibrillator will not save every person who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. Yet many lives could be saved if more people could be reached more quickly.

HeartStart was designed with you in mind.
That’s why we created the HeartStart Home Defibrillator. This award-winning safety equipment has been designed so that virtually anyone can use it to help save the life of a person who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.

Clear, calm voice instructions talk you through each step. HeartStart senses and adapts the instructions based on your actions. Using sophisticated technology, HeartStart quickly decides whether a shock is necessary. It is designed to only deliver a shock if needed. It will even coach you through the steps of CPR.

Like other essential safety equipment, you buy HeartStart hoping that you never have to use it. Yet in that moment you need it, HeartStart must be ready. It performs comprehensive daily self-tests. You can check its status at a glance. Virtually no maintenance is required.

Who should have a HeartStart?
Anyone who wants a safer home.

Consider the other essential safety equipment you own to protect your loved ones in case of an emergency. Fire extinguishers. Seat belts. Airbags. Now consider the likelihood of needing this equipment.

HeartStart Home Defibrillator Contents:

• Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator
• Red carry case with 911/EMS card
• Adult SMART Pads cartridge* (lasts 2 years)
• Battery (lasts 4 years)
• Training video
• Free discount coupons for CPR training at American Heart Association, American Red Cross or Medic First Aid
• 5-year warranty

*The Infant/Child pads cartridge is sold separately, and available by prescription only.

A Support Program Enrollment Card is also included. By enrolling in this free program, you will have access to a range of services, including:

• Important notifications about HeartStart
• Customer service*
• Periodic accessory reminders
• Post-use counseling*

*These services are available to all HeartStart owners.

Philips will send you a free Fast Response Kit (over $40 value) for enrolling in the Support Program.

Consider these things before your purchase:

• If you have questions or concerns about your health, or an existing medical condition, please talk with your doctor. A defibrillator does not take the place of seeking medical care.
• You cannot use the HeartStart to treat yourself.
• Users may need to perform CPR.
• Responding to cardiac arrest may require you to kneel.
• Voice instructions and enclosed materials are in English.
• HeartStart provides audible and visible indicators when maintenance is required.

Indications for Use: HeartStart is used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) who are not responsive and not breathing normally. If in doubt, apply the pads. The HeartStart treats the most common cause of SCA by delivering a shock to the heart. Use HeartStart and CPR, as needed, until emergency professionals arrive.

If you have concerns about your health or an existing medical condition, please talk to your doctor. A defibrillator is not a replacement for seeking medical care.

Zoll AED Plus

What good is an AED that only works half the time?

When a cardiac arrest occurs, the fact is that only half of the victims will need a shock. The other half requires CPR.

You deserve an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) that helps you all the time. And, only one AED can actually see when you are doing CPR and help you do it well. You need more than just commands, without assistance. That’s not smart, and it’s certainly not help.

ZOLL’s AED Plus^® features Real CPR Help^®, a tool that is able to actually see what you are doing and provide feedback to help you do it well. Audio and visual prompts help you rescue with confidence and clarity unmatched by any other automated external defibrillator (AED).

• Not pushing hard enough? It will tell you when to push harder.
• Pushing hard enough? It will say, “Good compressions.”
• Not pushing fast enough? A metronome will lead you to the right rate.
• It will even show you the depth of each compression. In real time.
• Not yet started? The AED Plus will tell you again to get started.
• Compressions stopped? It will tell you to continue.

ZOLL believes an AED should not just deliver a shock. It should also help the rescuer provide high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). That’s why you need ZOLL’s AED Plus with Real CPR Help.

The AED Plus offers:

• Support for the complete Chain of Survival.
• Real CPR Help for rate and depth of compressions.
• Help to all victims of SCA, even those for which no shock is advised.
• A one-piece pad for fast accurate placement of electrodes.
• Consumer lithium camera batteries available from retail stores.

Other important features:

• Intelligent Pediatric Capability.
• ZOLL’s Rectilinear Biphasic™ Waveform.
• Total AED Program Management with En-Pro.
• Guidelines 2005 Ready.
• Post-Event Electrode Replacement Program (PEER).