What is Public Access Defibrillation (PAD)?
Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programs are based on the premise that the first person on the scene of a cardiac arrest is in the best position of saving a life IF the rescuer is equipped with an AED. PAD programs require AEDs to be placed near locations where people work or gather. However, simply distributing AEDs is not enough. Successful programs actively recruit and enable for as many people as possible to acquire the skills and confidence needed to respond appropriately during a cardiac emergency. The first responders in a PAD program are made up of lay rescuers – those with minimal first aid skills. They learn these skills during a basic four-hour CPR & AED course. They fervently hope that they never have to use their skills but do know that unless they respond appropriately in the event that their coworker, the person waiting in front of them in a movie theater line, the parent watching his daughter’s soccer match, or their loved one collapses, he/she will most likely die.
