Sudden cardiac arrests victims require immediate medical attention (within four minutes, or in fact, as soon as possible) to avoid disabilities (such as stroke) and in the worst case, sudden death. Sudden cardiac arrest is a form of Cardiac Arrhythmia and it is a serious if not lethal consequence of Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia generally refers to the irregular and uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the ventricles in the heart. Do note that heart attack is another form of cardiovascular condition, and should not be confused with Arrhythmia.
As far till this date, defibrillation is a definitive treatment process for sudden cardiac arrests. A defibrillator or an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) is made up of a main unit usually with an interface and is accompanied by a pair of two electrodes. The electrodes are placed directly on or in the victim, depending on the type being used. For AED (Automatic External Defibrillator), the electrodes appear in the form of pads which have to be placed to the bare chest of the victim, at different positions on the torso of the victim. Electric shocks will then be delivered to the person to restore normal heart rhythm.
Rapid advancement in technology has seen the increase in the availability of defibrillator (especially AED Defibrillator) for private use much more common. Many commercial firms now have external defibrillator available in their office premises and are also distributing home defibrillator to employees who suffer from heart related diseases. With the increase in the availability of home defibrillator, many families have been able to protect the lives of their loved ones that might have otherwise been lost due to the lack of this essential medical equipment.
A fully automatic defibrillator requires little training from the user, and instructions would most likely be available on usage or included inside the package. However, if you are still concerned, it is always advisable to seek advice from trained medical personnel or read up more
Do you or your loved one have a heart disease that would merit purchasing a defibrillator? If so, do consider purchasing an automatic external defibrillator as soon as possible. It could one day come in useful when the unforeseen occurs. Only with good health can one truly enjoy his life to the fullest.
Keeping our bodies in good health is something we should pay close attention to.
Take action to protect your loved ones. Many lives have been lost not to heart diseases, but the lack of information and action by people.
See Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED)
