Early Defibrillation
The 2005 Guidelines recognize that public access and private industry AED programs play a vital role in early defibrillation.
The AHA Guidelines specifically state, "AED programs in public locations where there is a relatively high likelihood of witnessed cardiac arrest (e.g. airports, casinos, sports facilities) are recommended. Class I." Additionally, "CPR and AED use by public safety first responder (traditional and non traditional) are recommended to increase survival rates for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Class I." Class I is the highest level of recommendation issued by the AHA.
For AED programs that cover pediatric populations the new AHA Guidelines state, "In systems and institutions that care for children and have an AED program, it is recommended that the AED have both a high specificity in recognizing pediatric shockable rhythms and a pediatric dose-attenuating system to reduce the dose delivered by the device."
Meeting the Challenge
Time to defibrillation is an important determinant in assessing how many AEDs a site will need. A site assessment by a knowledgeable expert can be invaluable to entities that want to start or supplement a program but are inexperienced in the area of appropriate AED placement. Physio-Control has resources available to assist you with this critical step.
For pediatric patients, the AED algorithm found in LIFEPAK® AEDs has been validated with pediatric heart rhythms. A published manuscript (Atkinson, et al) supports the use of the Physio-Control Shock Advisory Algorithm in AED use on children under 8 years of age. The Infant/Child Reduced Energy Defibrillation Electrodes reduce the energy dose by a factor of four and are intended for use with these patients.
Physio-Control also has the most complete solution to ensure that your program runs smoothly and effectively. With the LIFEPAK® Heart Safe Solution we partner with you to plan and carry out implementation of an effective AED program.