Importance of an AED

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is the only piece of equipment a layperson has at their disposal that can actually be used to “start” the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. Most adults that are found in cardiac arrest in most cases are in ventricular fibrillation within the first couple minutes into the event. An AED applied rapidly saves lives, it’s purpose is to stop the fibrillation and restart the heart which then allows the brain and other organs to be perfused lending to a better outcome for the patient. Remember quality CPR is paramount however, CPR in and of itself only buys the patient time while an AED is retrieved and/or EMS arrives.