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Automatic External Defibrillators – Available in all major City buildings, in all Police Department cruisers, Fire-Rescue Department staff vehicles and Basic Life Support (BLS) Engines, and at a number of private companies, doctor's offices, and churches. These devices are proven to save lives in the event of cardiac arrest by "shocking" a patient's heart back into a regular rhythm.
Heartsaver AED/CPR courses are available by appointment for residents and business owners. Please contact Lt. Patricia Dunkelmann at 243-7456 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
The following FAQ section is provided by the American Heart Association:
AED Programs Q & A
What's public access to defibrillation?
Public access to defibrillation (PAD) means making AEDs available in public and/or private places where large numbers of people gather or people who are at high risk for heart attacks live.
What is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?
A built-in computer checks a victims heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes. The computer calculates whether defibrillation is needed. If it is, a recorded voice tells the rescuer to press the shock button on the AED. This shock momentarily stuns the heart and stops all activity and gives the heart an opportunity to resume beating effectively. Instructions guide the user through the process. AED's advise a shock only for ventricular fibrillation or another life-threatening condition called pulse less ventricular tachycardia.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume in a heart in sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. If it's not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death. Most sudden cardiac arrests result from ventricular fibrillation. This is a rapid and unsynchronized heart rhythm originating in the heart's lower pumping chambers (the ventricles). The heart must be "defibrillated" quickly, because a victim's chance of surviving drops by 7 to 10 percent for every minute a normal heartbeat isn't restored.
AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely. There are many different brands of AEDs, but the same basic steps apply to all of them. The AHA does not recommend a specific model.
Where AED's should be placed?
All first-response vehicles, including ambulances, law-enforcement vehicles and many fire engines should have an AED. AED's also should be placed in public areas such as sports arenas, gated communities, airports, office complexes, doctor's offices and any other public at high risk for heart attacks live. AED's are safe to use by anyone who's been trained to operate them. Studies have shown that 90 percent of the time AED's are able to detect a rhythm that should be defibrillated.
Training
Where can I get AED training?
The City of Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department provides Heartsaver AED classes for groups of 6 or more people. Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department charges a fee of $25.00 per student. This fee helps the department offset the cost of the Heartsaver AED books and supplies that are provided. We believe that this program provides knowledge to our citizens that could potentially save a life. If you have a group of 6 or more that would like to learn CPR, contact Lt. Trisha Dunkelmann at (561) 243-7456. If you are a doctors office or individual looking for a class, contact the American Heart Association at 1-888-CPRLINE or you my also visit www.americanheart.org/cpr. Type in your AIP code where requested on the home page to access contact information on training sites near you.
How can I learn more?
- Talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professionals. If you have heart disease or have had a stroke, members of your family also may be at higher risk. It's very important for them to make changes now to lower their risk.
- Call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721), or visit americanheart.org to learn more about heart disease.
- For information on stroke, call 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653) or online at strokeassociation.org.
The American Heart Association has many other fact sheets and educational booklets to help you make healthier choices to reduce your risk, manage disease or care for a loved one. Knowledge is power, so Learn and Live!
Links:
American Heart Association
AED Manufacturers per American Heart Association Website:
Cardiac Science
Defibtech
Heartsine Technologies
Medical Research Laboratories, Inc.
Medtronic Physio-Control
Philips HeartStart Defribillators
Zoll AED U.S.A. Distributors
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