Saving a Life is as easy as A-E-D

WHAT IS AN AED?

An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator.  When Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs, and the heart is in ventricular FIBrillation, it needs a shock to DEFIBrillate and return to its normal rhythm.  The AED provides that shock.  In addition, it's AUTOMATED, which means that it's pre-programmed to deliver a consistent amount of energy and anyone assisting the victim should be able to use it with little or no difficulty.  Most models that are currently available will even "coach" responders through CPR!

The Central Iowa Chapter may facilitate the sales of Cardiac Science and Philips AEDs.  For information about the models available please click on the links located below.

WHAT IS SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the interruption of the electrical energy that flows through the heart.  When a person experiences SCA, the direction of the energy is interrupted and a person typically experiences what is known as ventricular fibrillation.  Essentially, the heart "short circuits" and all of that energy is moving in a chaotic rhythm.  At this time, blood is not able to circulate to the heart and vital organs.  The pulse stops, the breathing stops, the person loses consciousness, collapses and appears lifeless. 

The cause of sudden cardiac arrest is not well understood. Many victims have no history of heart disease, or if heart disease is present, it has not functionally impaired them. Unlike a heart attack, which is the death of muscle tissue from loss of blood supply, many victims of SCA have no prior symptoms. SCA can strike anyone, at any time, anywhere.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!

When a person experiences SCA, the chances that he or she will survive, decrease by 10% with each passing minute. Unless a normal heart rhythm is restored, death will follow within a matter of minutes.  By following the cardiac chain of survival the chance of survival greatly increases. 

The cardiac chain of survival is a series of four critical steps. All four steps of the chain must be present to help ensure survival from sudden cardiac arrest. The four steps are:

• Step one: Early access to care (calling 9-1-1 or another emergency number)
• Step two: Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Step three: Early defibrillation with an AED.
• Step four: Early advanced cardiac life support, as needed

The third step, delivering an electrical shock to the heart, which is known as defibrillation, is recognized as the most critical step in restoring cardiac rhythm and resuscitating a victim of SCA.

         Interested in purchasing an AED but still have questions? 

Contact Denice Douglas at 515-471-8336
or see our Frequently Asked Questions page.