Emergency Training Xcellence, Inc.

AED Program Overview

Protecting People from Premature Death

It’s called an AED – an Automated External Defibrillator. You’ve probably seen one or more hanging on the wall at an airport. You may have heard that the FAA has mandated that all airplanes must now have them and, although not yet “required”, OSHA has strongly encouraged all work places to consider creating onsite early defibrillation programs. In some states, public schools and health clubs are required to have them. They are suddenly appearing in the most unlikely places; malls, casinos, golf courses, sporting events and even some churches. Many police vehicles and fire trucks also have them. If you read newspapers or watch TV you’ve heard of how AEDs are regularly “bringing people back to life.”

Sudden cardiac arrest kills more than 400,000 people each year in the US alone. The disquieting reality is that most of those who die from sudden cardiac arrest are in the prime of life and have “hearts and brains too good to die”. AEDs are a simple and inexpensive intervention that can help save and extend thousands of lives. For those who suffer sudden cardiac arrest the medical evidence is now clear: the sooner they are “defibrillated” the better their chance of many more years of useful, productive and loving life.  The “shocking solution” to the major public health dilemma of premature cardiac death is the availability and rapid application of an easy to use AED.

In companies that have made AEDs part of their commitment to providing employees a safe and protected work place, a select number of managers and employees must be trained in AED use. However, all employees need to be aware of AEDs and the specifics of their company’s AED program. In a 30 minute PowerPoint presentation ETX can provide an informational session that acquaints all employees with an understanding and appreciation of this life extending technology as well as reinforces their company’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of its workforce. This presentation includes:

o The difference between a heart attack and sudden death

o The difference between sudden death and brain death

o How an AED “reboots” the heart

o The safety and success rate of AEDs

o An actual demonstration of AED use