AEDs in the Workplace; AED Packages, AED Program, Automated External Defibrillator, Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Many organizations struggle with the thought of purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the workplace due to the fact that many organizations are unaware of what the AED’s purpose is and how it can save lives. Understanding the benefit of an AED in the workplace could save a life.

Is there a benefit of having AEDs in the work place?

The answer to this question is absolutely!

In our continuous effort to educate the public about the benefits of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), HeartSafe recently blogged about the American Heart Association’s three minute from “drop to shock” rule. This clearly illustrates the benefit of having AEDs in the work place for several reasons.

It is a common misconception that local EMS are able to respond to the scene of an accident immediately. It is important to realize that the national average response time for local EMS ranges anywhere from 6 to 12 minutes. Being aware of this information is key to survival. With every minute that passes, a victim in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) loses a 7%-10% chance of survival if not defibrillated. Unfortunately, a victim is facing only a 40% chance of survival if EMS arrives at the six-minute mark.

Envision a normal office setting and your colleague or business partner is sitting in a cubicle next to you and all of the sudden he starts having chest pains and loss of breath. He then falls out of his chair on to the floor unconscious. It appears he has had a heart attack which has lead to cardiac arrest. You immediately call 911 and the clock starts ticking. You quickly retrieve the AED onsite, begin CPR, then apply the pads of the AED on the chest and follow the guidance the AED verbally gives you to begin treatment. The device begins analyzation and tells you to push the shock button to deliver the first shock. Your colleague comes to and appears to wake up. You continue to care for him until EMS has arrived, but he is now conscious and can answer you when you speak to him. EMS finally arrives after 8 minutes and begins to care for him.

This example provides clarity on why having AED’s in the work place is a necessity! An article by the Department of Labor Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) states that in 1999 – 2000 815 out of 6339 fatalities (13%) in the work place were due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The conclusions of this article determined that “The earlier defibrillation is administered, the better chance at survival for the victim.” The proper placement and implementation of AEDs and CPR/AED Heartsaver training in the work environment helps “bridge” the gap between the time a victim has a cardiac event, to the time when EMS arrives on the scene to take over.

CLICK HERE to view the OSHA article.

Understanding what Sudden Cardiac Arrest is and accepting that it can affect anyone, at any age, at any given moment emphasizes the importance of AEDs in the work place. After all, the life you save may be great friend or colleague.

Contact AED-SHOP.com today to find out more about the benefits of AEDs in the work place. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

AED Replacement Accessories; AED Pad Expiration, Battery Expiration, Automated External Defibrillator, Replacement Parts

All Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have pads and batteries with expiration dates and must be replaced according to the expiration date.

Once an organization or company has equipped themselves with an automated external defibrillator (AED), it is imperative that inspections are performed on a monthly basis. Not only are monthly inspections a prerequisite for the Good Samaritan law, but it also reminds the organization when the pads and batteries expire.

Below are some commonly asked questions regarding replacement parts.

Why do my AED electrode pads expire?

AED electrode pads are comprised of an adhesive gel and tin. Once they exceed their expiration date, they may not be able to function properly or will lose their ability to “stick” to a victim. Manufacturers cannot guarantee that the pads will function past their expiration date. Just like a band aid, AED electrode pads tend to dry out faster once exposed to air.

When do my pads expire?

AED pads expire typically every two years. Manufacturers such as HeartSine and Zoll use a different formula which allows the pads to last longer than two years.

How often will I have to replace my batteries?

Like the electrode pads, each manufacturer has a different expiration date. Battery expiration dates or shelf life can vary anywhere from 2 years to 7 years. The battery shelf life is not a set date and varies manufacturer to manufacturer. The shelf life date can usually be found on the battery.

Does my AED battery have an expiration date listed on it?

Yes. Most batteries have an expiration date with the exception of Cardiac Science. Cardiac Science lists when the battery was manufactured versus the battery shelf life.

Should I purchase an extra set of pads or battery?

This is not a legal statue or precedent that requires a spare pad be available. However, it is always a good idea to have an extra battery or set of pads, just in case the primary is not functionality proper. Most manufacturers will include a spare set of pads in their initial AED Ship Set.

Contact AED-SHOP.com today to find out more about replacement accessories for your AED or to place an order for your replacement accessories. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

AED Post Event Review; AED Program, AED, Automated External Defibrillator, Download AED data

Not sure what to do after using your AED during an emergency? Every Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has the ability to record the event that takes place during an emergency. All AEDs store event information and it can be downloaded from the AED for review.

Hopefully at this point your organization has purchased an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to protect your members and staff from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The possibility of using the AED, while slim, is definitely real. Therefore, it is very important to know how to use the AED and equally as important to know what to do after a usage.

Once an event has occurred, positive or negative, you must download the event data and forward it to the responding Physician and your Medical Director. Currently, every device on the market will record a minimum of 15 minutes of ECG analysis. Furthermore, some devices can record up to 8 hours of ECG or a short duration of both audible and ECG data. To find out your device's capability, consult your user's manual.

To download the event data, you must first have a computer with the appropriate manufacture's software. Most manufactures offer a basic version which can be downloaded for "Free" from the following sites:

• Cardiac Science Rescuelink
  Download link: Must contact Cardiac Science Tech Support to obtain link
• HeartSine EVO Saver Software
  Download Link: http://www.heartsine.com/index.php?page_id=152
• Defibtech Event Review Software
  Download Link: http://www.defibtech.com/downloads_utilities.html
• Physio Control LIFENET DT Express
  Download Link: CD Only, Field Service Rep can perform download for small fee.
• Philips Review Express
  Download Link
• Welch Allyn Smartlink Event Pro Software
  Download Link: Must send device in
• Zoll Rescue Net Code Review
  Download Link: http://www.zolldata.com/web/codeReview.aspx
  

After the software has been downloaded to your computer, the AED must be connected directly to the computer to review the event data. Currently, there are two methods for connecting and accessing this data:

• IRDA Adapter: Adapater connects through the computer's USB and allows the data to be transferred from the AED to the computer by lining up the infarred windows.
  Definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_Data_Association
  
• Data Cable: Cable connects through the computer's USB port and allows data to be transferred through a direct connection between the AED and the computer.

After a connection has been established, the manufacture's software program should be run to receive "event data" from the AED. After the data is downloaded, it can be emailed or printed depending on the software's capabilities.Finally, after the data download is complete, it is imperative that the pads and/or battery be replaced so the AED can be placed back into service.

Contact AED-SHOP.com today to find out more about post even reviews and purchasing replacement AED accessories. Our goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs can help increase the survival rate of SCA.

Data Management Solutions; DMS, Automated External Defibrillator, AED Program, AED, AED Replacement Parts, CPR Tracking

Data Management Solution program is a simple way for any organization to keep their AED program on track. The AED Program Coordinator will be able to track each of the AEDs using our Data Management Solution program.

When implementing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program, performing monthly inspections, tracking replacement part expiration dates and monitoring CPR/AED training renewals can be time consuming and difficult to keep up with.

Therefore, in an effort to assist organizations in maintaining a successful and legally compliant AED Program, HeartSafe America has developed a proprietary web-based tracking program with the following features and functionality:

• Stores a master list of all AEDs, locations and contact personnel.
• Provides quick reference to AED serial numbers and all part numbers.
• Monthly inspection log which sends email reminders if inspection is not performed.
• Tracks replacement part expiration dates and sends email notifications.
• Designated section to document incidents and log event data.
• Tracks CPR/AED certified personnel and sends email renewal reminders.
• Numerous comprehensive reports to help AED Coordinator easily manage AED Program.
• Multiple security levels to limit user access based on AED Program responsibilities.

This software program is known as our “Data Management Solution (DMS)” and is currently being used by numerous Fortune 1000 companies.

Many organizations have similar questions as to why our Data Management Solution (DMS) program would be a good fit for their organization. At AED-SHOP.com, we want to ensure that every one our clients experiences the benefits of our DMS program. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our Data Management Solution program.

How will the data management solutions program be beneficial to my organization?

Our Data Management Solution (DMS) program allows an organization to manage their AED Program by organizing device information in a centralized web-based location for quick access. Having this information organized and readily available eliminates confusion, duplication and most importantly, keeps the AEDs “rescue ready”.

If my organization has AED in different locations, will my organization be able to track these AEDS?

Our DMS allows any organization to track an AED regardless of location. Once an AED is entered into the system, it is assigned to a specific location where the location can be viewed by the Site Coordinator and AED Program Coordinator regardless of geographic location.

Will the program notify my organization to perform the monthly inspections?

Monthly inspection reminders are sent out each month on the designated inspection date to the Site Coordinator or assigned inspector. If the inspection is not performed on the designated inspection date, the DMS will continue to email reminders until inspection is performed and entered into the system. These reminders should insure that your monthly inspections are being performed, keeping your organization legally compliant and your devices operational.

Will the DMS Program alert my organization when pads and batteries expire?

When your AED is entered into our DMS Program, the expiration dates for all replacement parts are documented. Then, at 90, 60 and 30 days prior to expiration, the DMS will automatically send an email reminder to Site Coordinator, Backup Site Coordinator and Program Coordinator alerting them to replace this part.

Can my organization track the personnel with CPR/AED training and when their renewals are due?

Our DMS allows your organization to input trained personnel along with their renewal date and certificate type. Then, at 60 and 30 days prior to the renewal, our DMS will automatically send an email reminder to the email address designated in this section.

If an emergency should happen and the AED is used, can my organization log the incident?

Our DMS has an incident log which can be utilized to track any instance when the AED is used. Whether the outcome is successful, unsuccessful or a non event, this information is an important historical reference to be utilized for comparison and training purposes.

Contact AED-SHOP.com today to find out how our data management solutions program can be an asset to your organization’s AED program. Our goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can decrease the lives lost to SCA.