AED's

AED (Automated External Defibrillator). It is Automated (it talks to you telling you what to do step by step), It is external meaning the Defibrillation pads go on the outside of the body, and it provides defibrillation. Many people have the idea that this machine "jump starts" the heart. This idea could not be further from the truth. Believe it or not The goal of the defibrillator is to stop the heart. When someone goes into cardiac arrest their heart is usually in one of two rhythms called V-tach, or V-Fib (abbreviated). The heart has disorganized electrical activity & is not pumping blood. We want the heart to become organized again and begin pumping blood. The way we try to do this is to defibrillate it and stun it with electricity so that the heart stops. Because the heart makes it's own electricity (Automaticity) the hope is that the heart will stop and through it's Automaticity start up again on it's own at a normal organized rhythm and pumping blood. I liken it to someone having an anxiety attack and out of control. (the heart). Someone else smacks that person in the face (Defibrillation) that person stops what they are doing and goes back to being normal (Automaticity). One more thing...use the AED ASAP the ability to defibrillate someone does diminish over time. For CPR & AED classes please visit safety911ne.com.