ÍøÆØÃÅ

Do you know how to use an AED/defibrillator? Do you know where your nearest one is in an emergency? Purchasing a defibrillator and taking the time to know how to use it will most likely save the life of someone you know.

Be it in work, school or the community. Here is what you can do to make sure you and the people around you are ready to act in an emergency.

What is an AED?

An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator. It is a portable, simple to use, computerised device. When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest it delivers a shock to the heart to allow it to resume its normal rhythm.

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function which causes a person to collapse. When this happens the person will not respond and will not be breathing normally (either gasping or not breathing at all). This is caused because something has gone wrong with the heart’s electrical system, and without immediate ÍøÆØÃÅ and defibrillation the person will not survive.

How an AED (and you) would save their life

An AED checks the heart’s rhythm and it automatically recognises if there is a life threatening rhythm. Once detected the AED delivers a shock to stun the heart returning it to its normal rhythm.

Purchasing and setting up an AED

There are a number of things to keep in mind before buying an AED for your workplace, school, sports club or community. The following provides a brief overview of some of these considerations.

General questions to consider when buying an AED

There are a number of different AED models available and the ÍøÆØÃÅ does not recommend any particular brand. However, you may find the following questions useful when choosing which AED to buy:

• How easy is it to use?
• How will it be stored? What type of cabinet does it need?
• How durable is the machine, i.e. what happens if it is dropped while running to the victim?
• What are the specific operating parameters for the AED such as temperature, humidity, etc., as defined by the manufacturer?
• Is a memory card included?
• What backup is provided for a broken machine?
• What backup is provided if the manufacturer goes bust?
• How is information downloaded from the machine?
• Is there a cost to download information from the machine?
• How does the AED function for child cases, i.e. different paediatric pads or insertion of a key?
• Will the AED be able to be updated (if required) for future guideline changes?
• What is the shelf life of the battery and pads and what does it cost to replace them?
• What warranty is offered?

Budgeting

When buying an AED there are a number of things apart from the actual cost of the AED itself which you may wish to consider:

• ÍøÆØÃÅ training for responders
• Don’t forget to factor in the cost of replacing pads and batteries which will require replacement over time. What may appear like a bargain initially, may work out more expensive in the long run when the cost of replacing items is factored in.
• The cost of additional equipment such as storage cabinets, signage, pocket masks, gloves, etc.
• The cost of refresher ÍøÆØÃÅ training for responders

Suppliers

There are various suppliers of AEDS in Ireland and the following is only a selection of those who have made themselves known to the ÍøÆØÃÅ. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and the ÍøÆØÃÅ does not endorse or recommend any particular AED model or supplier.

– Contact Dan Corbett on 061991999 or by email

– Contact David O’Connor on 018307499

– Contact Ger Hickey on 061 970160 or by email

– Contact Donal Twomey on 0214524711

– Contact Paul Downes on 016434757 or by email

– Contact Kieran Egan on 021 4508588 / 0871722150 or by email

– Contact Ronan Shanley 0872624679 or by email

– Contact Ken O’Dwyer on 040462111 or by email

– Contact the Sales Team on 061304600

– Contact Gordon Hayes on 087 7400500 or 069 66006 or by email

– Contact David Greville on 014578719 or by email

– Contact Melissa Stynes on 01 8665727 or by email

– Contact Alan Moran on 014604820

– Contact Conrad Wynne on 012769700

– Contact Brian Downes on 016402615

– Contact John Hutchinson on 012839999

Choosing a Location for your AED

Accessibility and visibility are key to choosing a location for your AED. Whether you are placing your AED in a building such as in a workplace, or outside in your community, it should be located in a central location and somewhere within the limits of operation as set by the manufacturer.

It is important that you regularly check your AED to ensure it works and the battery and pads are within date.

You may also consider signage so that bystanders are aware of its location. If you are placing your AED outside, make sure it is kept in an appropriate storage cabinet as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Storage Cabinets

As all AEDs have different specifications make sure the cabinet you choose provides  appropriate protection for the AED as per the manufacturer’s specifications. When buying a storage cabinet make sure it is fit for purpose for the intended location, i.e. indoors or outdoors. While security may be an issue, please make sure that it does not hinder access to the AED in an emergency.

Guidelines and Maintenance

Where an AED is located inside a building it is important that all responders use it in the same way. Therefore, you should have clear, written guidelines as to how the emergency response system will work. This helps to ensure that responders are clear as to their responsibilities and how they are expected to respond to an incident.

Your AED should be checked regularly to ensure it is in working order and ready for use. You may wish to write your own AED checklist similar to this sample list developed by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). View the PHECC AED checklist.