Are Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) More Effective Than CPR in Saving Lives?
Home defibrillators, or AEDs, have definitely saved lives. But some people, including my family doctor, say there are drawbacks. Some say that AEDs are an unnecessary expense because simple compression-only CPR is just as effective in saving the life of someone suffering from cardiac arrest. On the other hand, my local pharmacist believes there are few, if any, downsides to having an AED in every home. The following information will help you decide if a home defibrillator is right for you. When a person goes into cardiac arrest (as opposed to a heart attack caused by blocked arteries), the heart’s electrical activity is disrupted, causing the heart to beat either dangerously fast or chaotically. When the heart’s rhythm is irregular, sometimes called “quivering,” the heart muscle is unable to pump blood to the brain and other vital organs. The person loses consciousness, and death may occur within a few minutes. If the person survives, there still may be permanent damage to the brain an
Related Questions
- Can Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save the life of a child who has a sudden cardiac arrest as a result of congenital heart disease or other pre-existing cardiac causes?
- Are Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) More Effective Than CPR in Saving Lives?
- Are Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) mandatory?
