Home > FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions & Answers)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions & Answers)
AED Overview and Function
What is an AED?
- An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest SCA). SCA is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.
How does an AED work?
- An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.
How is an AED powered?
- An AED is powered by a Lithium battery.
Do AEDs require maintenance?
- The best way to be sure your AEDs are always in proper working order is to check them regularly each month.
- You will need to check the following:
- Status Indicator
- Pads Expire Date
- Battery Function
- Accessories such as personal protection are present
- AED and connections are in good condition
- AED is up to date with current guidelines
- Independent Respiratory consultants will guide and assist you in developing and implementing the appropriate monitoring and maintenance program for your specific needs.
How should AED units be installed?
- Independent Respiratory Consultants will complete a site assessment prior to installation that will meet the individual needs of the purchaser.
Where can AEDs be used?
- Public Locations, Town Halls, Libraries
- Corporations, Factories, Warehouses
- Fire & EMS
- Schools & Daycare
- Homes, Cottages, Camp Grounds, Trailer Parks & Retreats
- Medical Professionals (Clinics & On Call)
- Hospitality & Travel (Airports, Trains, Marinas, Buses)
- Health Clubs, Gyms, Sports Arenas
- Clubs, Organizations, Churches & Senior Centres
Why are AEDs needed?
Population/Health Care Expense/EMS Response Times?
- In Canada, 35,000 to 45,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest each year.
- Approximately 85 percent of all cardiac arrests occur outside of a healthcare facility, and 35 to 55 percent are witnessed by a family member, co-worker or friend.
- AEDs are the only effective intervention for Sudden Cardiac arrest.
- SCA statistics? Without an AED survival rate is only 5%.
- For each minute that a person in Sudden Cardiac Arrest does not receive a shock their survival rate decreases by 7-10 percent.
- If CPR and an AED are used on the victim within the first few minutes the survival rate increases to 75%.
- source (Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
What is (SCA) sudden Cardiac Arrest?
- Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. It usually results from an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the rest of your body.
- Sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked. However, a heart attack can sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance that leads to sudden cardiac arrest.
- Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, it causes sudden cardiac death. With fast, appropriate medical care, survival is possible. Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), treating with a defibrillator (AED), or even just compressions to the chest, can improve the chances of survival until emergency personnel arrive.
- source (Mayo Clinic)
Using AEDs
Are AEDs complicated to use?
- AEDs are user friendly.
- Use of the AED is not difficult, and consultants will show you how to use one. There are three easy steps, which include turning the device on, follow the voice prompts by, placing the pads on the person’s chest, and performing compressions if necessary.
Can AEDs shock a person by accident?
- No, after placing the pads on the victim an AED is programmed to recognize and shock two types of heart rhythms: Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) and Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (Pulseless VT). Because of this, it will not shock a normally beating heart.
Are there any liability concerns when using an AED?
- Employers and individuals may have concerns about liability, if an automated external defibrillator (AED) is used improperly on a victim. But, to date, it doesn’t appear that anyone in Canada has ever been sued for using an AED.
- The Canadian Laws protecting civilians and off hour medical personal can be read here.
Liability Laws in Canada
AED or Equipment Leasing
Do you have leasing options for AEDs and other respiratory equipment?
