When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every single minute counts. Whether you are watching a local high school football game, working at the office, or running errands around the Tri-Cities, an emergency can happen anywhere.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 350,000 people of all ages experience an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in the U.S. every year. Sadly, many of these events result in death before the individual can even reach the hospital. But it doesn’t have to end that way. Early CPR and immediate access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can significantly improve the chances of survival.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the thought of using an AED, you aren’t alone. However, a recent article from Michigan Medicine featuring Dr. Jeff Zampi, a pediatric cardiologist at University of Michigan Health, emphasizes three vital things we want our Tri-Cities community to know:
1. Anyone Can Use an AED
You do not need a medical degree or advanced training to step up in an emergency. AEDs are specifically designed for bystanders, parents, teachers, and coaches to use on the spot.
2. You Cannot Hurt the Patient (or Yourself)
One of the biggest fears people have is doing more harm than good. The reality? You can’t. AEDs are highly sophisticated devices. Once attached, the device analyzes the person’s heart rhythm and will only deliver a shock if it is absolutely necessary.
3. It Is Much Simpler Than You Think
If you can listen to basic directions, you can use an AED. The moment you turn the machine on, it provides clear, calm, step-by-step voice instructions guiding you through the entire process, telling you exactly where to place the pads and when to stand clear.
Watch this video from Michigan Medicine for more information:
Here at Heart Safe Tri-Cities, our goal is to empower our community to act confidently when the unexpected happens. As Dr. Zampi notes, “Knowing where an AED is and being willing to use it can make all the difference.”
Next time you visit your local school, gym, or community center, take a moment to locate the nearest AED. Your willingness to use it could be the exact thing that saves a neighbor’s life.
Read the full article from Michigan Medicine here: https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/how-use-aed-cardiac-emergency
