Automated External Defibrillator
An Automated External Defibrillator is commonly known as an AED. An AED is a machine that delivers a high-energy electric shock through the heart of a person in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The aim of this high-energy electric shock is to return a heart to its normal working rhythm following a SCA.
Why are AEDs so important?
A sudden cardiac arrest is considered a medical emergency and immediate action needs to be taken, otherwise it could be fatal. Every year in New Zealand over 2,000 people are treated for a cardiac arrest that occurs in the community. It’s essential that in the event of an emergency an AED is close at hand. It could mean the difference between life or death.
Over 2,000 people in New Zealand suffer a Sudden Cardiac Arrest every year.
11% survive when defibrillation is not provided before the ambulance arrive.
​48% survive when a community AED is used.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) versus a heart attack
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is usually caused by an abnormal heart rhythm when the heart unexpectedly and abruptly stops beating. SCA may occur anytime without any warning signs. SCA results in death if not treated immediately by CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and an AED.
A heart attack is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is diminished, resulting in damage to the heart muscle. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes will lead to SCA.
SCA is not the same as a heart attack.
The AED action plan
When a person suffers sudden cardiac arrest, an AED should be retrieved and used within 5 minutes after the cardiac arrest is first suspected. The following points will help you achieve.
Place the AED in a prominent location that is easily assessable.
Consider how your staff will know where and how to access.
Consider the time to retrieve this AED?
What are the hours of availability?
The difference between a semi-automatic and an automatic AED
All AEDs automatically analyse the heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. However, there are two types of AEDs –fully automatic and semi-automatic. If a shock is required, semi-automatic AEDs prompt rescuers to press a shock button. A fully automatic AED will give a shock automatically without requiring pressing a button.
Self-testing
Many AEDs perform automatic self-testing, a series of regular tests that verify the AED, is fully functional. Self-testing is one of the most important aspects of determining the reliability of an AED.
IP (Ingress Protection) rating
Every AED has an 'IP Rating'. The IP is a universal standard rating which classifies the level of protection that electrical appliances provide against the intrusion of dust, water, and foreign objects.
The first digit in an IP rating: Levels of dust and dirt proofing effectiveness.
The second digit: Levels of waterproofing effectiveness.
The higher the value of each number the higher the resistance to these contaminants. AEDs with higher numerical IP ratings are designed for use anywhere, but especially in environments where dust and moisture could be prevalent. You can use an AED's IP rating to determine if is built for the environment you intend to use or store it in.
