A New Life-Saving Technology

Every year, about 250,000 Americans die as a result of heart disease. Most of these deaths occur suddenly from cardiac arrest.

Some medical experts suggest that the use of this new technology might increase the initial survival rate of cardiac arrest victims from 2 percent to as much as 40 percent.

Remember .. always call 911 or your local emergency number first in any medical emergency.

What does an AED good for?

When a human heartbeat is interrupted, damage done to the victim is directly related to the length of the interruption. The sooner a normal heartbeat can be re-established, the better. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) helps keep oxygen flowing to the body, but it doesn't restart the heart. An AED can re-establish a normal heartbeat if used early. By placing AED equipment at many locations, in Baker County, it can help ensure wider public access, and help many heart attack victims benefit from this life-saving technology.  In Baker County we have AED’s on all fire trucks, and many Deputy Sheriff’s cars.  There will be many more AED’s in other county and public places within the next few years.

How does an AED work?

An AED is an electronic device that delivers electricity to the heart to re-establish a heart rhythm that will generate a pulse. It also has a recording device to store the patient's electrocardiogram and information about the machine's operation.

Because it includes a rhythm analysis system that determines if the patient needs a shock, it can be used by operators who need less intensive training than emergency medical technicians.

Who can operate an AED?

Any properly trained person can perform this vital procedure. No formal education in medicine or science is required.  All newly trained CPR classes are trained in the use of AED’s.