You and the spouse are sitting at home, having a quiet evening. You’re both set up in your usual spots, watching TV and working on your hobbies. The quiet is suddenly disrupted by what sounds like gasping and erratic movements. You look over at your spouse, and see that he is now motionless. Remembering that just last month, you insisted on buying an Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, you run to retrieve it. On the way, you call for an ambulance, so you can focus on the next task. You run to your spouse’s side, follow the included instructions, and start working on him until help arrives. Fortunately, he is saved and life can go back to normal.
The above scenario may not have turned out so well, had that couple not had the foresight to buy an AED the month before. An AED is a portable defibrillator unit that works the same way those paddles in the ER work. Its basic function is to keep the blood pumping, so that the person does not suffer brain damage.
Use of the AED is not difficult, and consultants will show you how to use one. There are three easy steps, which include turning the device on, placing the pads on the person’s chest, without crossing the heart, and making compressions on the person’s sternum to simulate the heart pumping. This is similar to the CPR motions.
Consider getting an AED if especially if you live with someone with high cardiac risk but even if they aren’t it would be wise to have one. A small investment can help save a life and even brain damage while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
