AED: An Effective Alternative to C.P.R.

For decades, when someone’s heart stops beating, c.p.r. has been the standard and most effective form of first aid. c.p.r. is taught in classroom and community centers throughout the world, led in great part by the American Red Cross, who urges all Americans to become certified in the correct methods and techniques of giving c.p.r. Online c.p.r. training is increasingly popular as well. However, new and increasingly affordable technology is now viewed by many as easier and more effective than c.p.r. An Automated External Defibrillator, often called an AED, may be a far more powerful tool for saving lives. Impressively, defibrillation via AED is far easier to perform than c.p.r., even for someone without any training.

An automated external defibrillator is a lightweight, portable device that can jumpstart a victim’s heart by using an electrical pulse called a biphasic shock. Guiding the rescuer with a combination of simple and clear voice, text and graphical instructions, an automated external defibrillator does nearly all of the work, enabling practically anyone save a life!

As opposed to c.p.r., which can easily be done incorrectly, too slowly, or too shallow of compressions so that the heart is left unaffected by the efforts and will not restart on its own, an automated external defibrillator is easy to use and can actually restart the heart with just the push of a button. Using the same technology found in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and doctor’s offices all over the world, an automated external defibrillator can not only help an individual suffering from cardiac arrest until professional medical help arrives, it can literally save their life. Samaritan, Phillips, Zoll, Heartsine and other companies manufacture very portable defibrillators that are surprisingly affordable, and refurbished automated external defibrillators are often available for under $1,000. Amazon currently offers the popular Philips HeartStart AED for just $1,096, including free shipping!

Generally speaking, performing c.p.r. is a great deal more complex than one may believe. C.p.r. training and refresher classes are incredibly important to ensure that you not only perform the motions of c.p.r. in the correct method and speed, but also know the appropriate times to perform c.p.r. Automated external defibrillators, however, use sophisticated software and simple voice commands to analyze a patient and instruct the operator on how to restart a heart. These portable defibrillators are found in airports, schools, public spaces, and private homes all across the country, providing an advanced option in case an emergency requires cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

Many individuals do not have the strength or stamina to properly perform c.p.r., since the activity takes a great deal of energy to correctly perform in order to receive the best results. Furthermore, you may need to perform c.p.r. for an extended amount of time depending on where the victim is currently located and how easily accessible they are by emergency medical staff. In contrast, individuals of all strengths can use an automated external defibrillator, since it requires the individual merely to push a button in order to jolt the heart back to life using a shocking stimulation. Generally speaking, it only takes one or possibly two shocks to the heart from an AED in order for the victim’s heart to properly respond, allowing the individual working the defibrillator to perform other medical tasks that my be necessary.

Automated external defibrillators may be a highly effective alternative to c.p.r., but c.p.r. is still an incredibly valuable skill to master. As they become increasingly common, you will find an automated external defibrillator in nearly every public place. However, you should still ensure you know the proper methods associated with c.p.r. in case you need to assist someone and are unable to access a defibrillator. If you don't have time to attend AED or c.p.r. classes in your community, consider taking one of the many fine online c.p.r. certification classes.