My AED Says “No Shock Advised” – What Do I Do?
What should you do if you are using an AED and the device says “no shock advised?” If you are a designated first responder or expect that you might one day treat a victim of sudden cardiac arrest, it’s important to understand: How an automated defibrillator works When an electric shock is appropriate What to […]
AED Testing Requirements
Most states have AED testing requirements to ensure that defibrillators are working and ready to use in an emergency. Conducting visual inspections and testing the device is the responsibility of all AED owners and must be carried out according to the AED manufacturer’s instructions. Why Is AED Testing Important? Proper AED maintenance and testing are […]
What to Do Immediately After Using an AED
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) dramatically increase survival rates from cardiac arrest, but which action should you take immediately after providing an AED shock? Knowing what to do after using an AED is not only essential for ensuring the best outcome for the victim. It’s also important for: Ensuring that emergency rescuers can provide the best […]
ZOLL vs LIFEPAK AEDs – A Side-by-Side Comparison
Automated external defibrillators can double a victim’s chances of survival when used within minutes of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Some of the most popular defibrillators—particularly for use by EMS—are those in Physio-Control LIFEPAK and ZOLL product lines. Here, we compare defibrillator models from these two leading names to help you make an informed decision. Zoll […]
Top Cardiac Arrest Prevention Tips
Understanding what causes sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)—and how to prevent it—could save your life one day. According to the American Heart Association, 356,000 people suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually[mfn]sca-aware.org[/mfn], and the condition is usually fatal unless cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an automated external defibrillator (AED) are used within minutes. To protect yourself and those […]
5 Special Considerations for AED Users
Some situations require special care when using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to treat a victim of cardiac arrest. In the event of a cardiac emergency, you’ll need to understand the special considerations involved when using an AED on: Pediatric patients Wet or sweaty patients Patients lying on snow or ice, or near flammable or […]
The Difference Between Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heart Failure
Cardiac arrest and heart failure share several common characteristics. But even though the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent two very different conditions. In the U.S., a person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease, and these two conditions are often to blame. That’s why it’s important to understand the distinctions between cardiac […]
Florida AED Laws for Businesses & Public Places
The state of Florida has established a number of laws regarding automated external defibrillators (AEDs), with the goal of ensuring that these medical devices are always readily available in the event of a cardiac emergency. These life-saving devices are required in many public high schools, assisted living facilities, and dental offices, and are recommended for […]
AED Training Requirements In All 50 States
AED training requirements have been established in several states to make AED use more effective. Typically, this instruction is required for people who are likely to be present during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. AED training covers CPR techniques as well as the correct use of an external defibrillator. If your business, institution, or facility has […]
How to Establish a Church First Aid Policy
A church first aid policy is essential for congregations large and small. You never know when an injury or illness may occur on your watch, and you don’t want to be caught off guard when it happens. But creating an effective first aid plan involves much more than simply purchasing gauze and bandages. It involves […]