AED stands for automated external defibrillator.

What’s an AED?

An AED is a device used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. Built-in computers assess the patient’s heart rhythm, judge whether defibrillation is needed and then administer the shock. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user through the process.

Cardiac arrest usually results from some underlying form of heart disease. Most cardiac arrests are due to abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the most common arrhythmia’s that causes cardiac arrest. VF is a condition in which the heart’s electrical impulses suddenly become chaotic, often without warning. That causes the heart’s pumping action to abruptly stop. When cardiac arrest occurs, the victim loses consciousness, has no pulse and stops breathing normally. Death follows within minutes.

Defibrillation is the only known therapy for VF. This technique of giving an electrical shock can restore the hearts normal rhythm, if it’s done within minutes of the arrest.

Today the new generation of defibrillators AED’s make it possible for trained lay rescuers to deliver defibrillation. The new AED’s are safe, effective, lightweight, low maintenance, easy to use and relatively inexpensive ( 2,500-3000 euro).

Having lay rescuers equipped with AED’s in settings where large numbers of people congregate saves precious minutes and improves survival rates for cardiac arrest victims. Facilities such as large office complexes, gated communities, sports arenas, concert halls, can benefit from obtaining AED’s and training employees to use them as part of a public access defibrillation program (PAD)

The Irish Heart Foundation / American Heart Association strongly encourages establishing a PAD program as an important way to save lives of thousands of cardiac victims. In Ireland each year over 6,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest.

Examples of how defibrillators have saved lives in the Dublin area are as follows.

Dublin Airport - 4 lives saved to date
Croke Park - 1 life saved
Intel - 1 life saved

How to set up an AED public access program?

• Firstly a Medical Director (company doctor) is appointed to oversee employee training and placement of AED’s. The Physician provides medical oversight to ensure quality control. Skills4life would be delighted to guide you through the set up process.
• Anyone expected to use an AED should be trained in how to use it and in CPR. The Heartsaver course lasting 31/2 – 4 hours has been developed for this purpose.Skills4life can supply this training.
• Participants receive a course completion card after successfully demonstrating skills proficiency through written and performance evaluation.
• As a follow-up to this initial training, employees must then recertify every 90 days. That is, they spend 30 minutes with their instructor ensuring their skills are up to date to ensure effective operation of the AED. Recertification can take place on site with minimal disruption to the working day.Skills4life can supply this re-certification.
• Local emergency service must be notified as to where AED’s are placed in a building.

"Skills4life is an
Irish Heart Foundation Accredited training Company ".