How Is a Defibrillator Used?
A defibrillator or automated external defibrillator is a device that can restore normal heart rhythm to a person whose heart has stopped. The defibrillator is designed to be used by the lay public while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. This is important because most cardiac emergencies happen in the home and outside of a hospital. Take a certification class through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association to ensure that you learn to use a defibrillator properly. There are many manufacturers that make and sell a variety of models of AEDs. During your training course your instructor will help you find the right model for your level of training. The American Heart Association notes that: “Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) more than double a victim’s chance of survival.” For every minute that goes by without a defibrillator, the victim’s chances of survival drop 7 percent to 10 percent.
