On purchasing an Automated Emergency Defibrillator (AED)
While reading Sandy Thompson’s excellent article in a recent GBA Update, it reminded me, as a retired EMT, of the usefulness of a personal automated emergency defribrillator (AED). In the past, this device that I had trained with was beyond the family budget. An AED could help us and our guests in case of an emergency. As members of the SSCA, we can benefit from special pricing from Action First Aid for a cottage AED in case of cardiac arrest. They will also provide a YouTube training video. The cost of an AED has fallen and after searching the internet, their price was competitive. Action First Aid can’t ship units to the US but shipping to a marina or friend could solve that issue.
AED’s have saved 1700 lives so far in the United States and a Johns Hopkins study shows that 500 people each year could be saved in the US and Canada by an AED. Owning an AED carries with it responsibilities for its care and feeding. It must be checked frequently for battery charge and replacement of it components to follow manufacturer’s recommendations but its use is quite simple. I would strongly recommend that training in CPR be considered. If anyone becomes unresponsive, an AED may not save by itself. An AED can diagnose and will tell you whether a charge should be given. CPR application may be the saving action while awaiting professional assistance.
Sans Souci and Copperhead Association