The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross of the Heartland
Helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergency situations.

Automated  External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Every minute of every day, sudden cardiac  arrest (SCA) claims another victim. SCA occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked, the flow of blood which carries oxygen to the heart is slowed or stopped, and the muscle fibers contract chaotically rather than in synch with each other as they normally do. SCA survival rates increase  dramatically when there is early access to a defibrillator.

How  defibrillators work
Manual defibrillators work by giving the heart a controlled electric shock, forcing all the heart muscles to contract at  once, and, hopefully jolting it back into a regular rhythm.

Historically, only trained medical professionals were able to interpret the heart rhythms on manual defibrillator devices. However, today's new Automated  External Defibrillators (AEDs) use embedded computer chips to analyze  the rhythms instantly and accurately, making it possible for non-medical  professionals to administer the same vital service without risking an accidental shock.

Red  Cross offers AED training
The Red Cross will train you and your  employees in the use of AEDs at your site when it is convenient for you. AED  training is offered with Adult CPR(4.5 hours) and with Adult CPR and First Aid  (7.5 hours). This comprehensive course includes:

  • Thorough, interactive training on the proper use of AEDs
  • Interactive training and certification in adult CPR
  • Intensive practice scenarios
  • A unique skills card enabling employees to continue practicing the after course completion
  • Optional OSHA-compliant first aid instruction also available

These Red Cross courses will teach you and your coworkers the most vital skills needed to save the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. If you are interested in learning about establishing an AED program at your facility, please e-mail us.

To see a demo of how AEDs work follow  these links

http://www.medical.philips.com/main/products/resuscitation/products/onsite/onsite_demo.asp

Product Demo of FR2+
http://www.medical.philips.com/main/products/resuscitation/products/fr2plus/fr2plus_demo.asp

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