General Article
July 20, 2006
Every second counts
Environmental Health and Safety's Automated External Defibrillator Program can help save a life threatened by sudden-cardiac arrest
Environmental Health and Safety's Ron Clark, left, shows Brian Henderson of Collaborative Data Services how to use an automated external defibrillator. So far, only 8 percent of the Center's work force has received CPR/AED training. Contact EH&S for information about the next class.
Photo by Dean Forbes |
If someone told you to get an automated external defibrillator (AED), would you know where to locate the closest one and how to use it?
For a victim of cardiac arrest, every second counts – their survival depends on someone recognizing an emergency exists and knowing what to do. That someone could be you – calling 911 to activate the emergency medical-services system; starting immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to keep the brain and other vital organs viable; and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock the heart back to a normal rhythm. Advanced cardiac life – support staff can further treat and transport the victim to a primary-care facility.
Location and training
The Environmental Health and Safety Department's AED Program is now in its second year of putting the tools and the training to save lives into the hands of everyone on campus. AEDs are now available in key locations around the Center. Each location has been carefully chosen to facilitate the administration of shock to the victim in less than five minutes. Take a look around and learn the location of the AED closest to your work area. Next, take advantage of AED and CPR training.
Since the AED Program began, more than 200 staff members – about 8 percent of the Center work force – has received training in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the use of an AED for adult victims of sudden – cardiac arrest. The Red Cross has a course specifically for laypeople. In addition to lifesaving lessons in CPR and AED use, students learn how to recognize a victim of cardiac arrest and how to stay effective during a medical emergency. Depending on the skill levels of the participants, the course can generally be completed in less than four hours.
Cardiac chain of survival
"When it comes to a cardiac emergency, we must take a comprehensive approach. We speak in terms of the ‘cardiac chain of survival,' which encompasses everything that needs to come together to increase the victim's chance of survival," said Suzanne Giftai, the Center's certified Red Cross instructor. Survivors of sudden-cardiac arrest usually have four things in common:
- Early access into the emergency medical system (EMS) — Someone witnesses the event, recognizes the emergency, decides to help, confirms unresponsiveness and calls 911.
- Early CPR — Someone starts CPR immediately.
- Early defibrillation — Someone arrives quickly with a defibrillator to shock the heart back to a healthier rhythm.
- Early advanced cardiac life support — Professional EMS personnel provides advanced life support, including airway and breathing support and medications.
Be prepared
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in America. Every one of us at the Center can make a lifesaving difference in a cardiac emergency by following the cardiac chain of survival. Be prepared. Contact EH&S at (206) 667-4866 to sign up for the next CPR/AED training class.
