FAQs
What is an AED?
Unlike the models of defibrillators intended for use by health care professionals (and the ones seen most often on TV), AEDs are designed to allow minimally trained laypersons to respond to cardiac emergencies, particularly sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). AEDs are about the size of a lunch box and have adhesive electrode pads that deliver brief, but powerful electrical stimulation to the heart, interrupting the abnormal rhythm and helping to restore the heart’s natural rhythm. The devices are pre-programmed with the expertise needed to analyze the heart’s electrical function. They also use voice prompts and screen displays to instruct the user on how to operate the device.
Who can use an AED?
A wide variety of people in the Canada and around the world are using AEDs, including police and security officers, firefighters, athletic trainers, flight attendants and lifeguards. Newly developed AEDs offer greater ease of use and are designed to allow trained laypersons to respond to cardiac emergencies in public places. Anyone in an emergency situation can use an AED although it is strongly recommended that a person/organization that has purchased an AED should complete a training course that covers both AED use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
How safe are AEDs?
AEDs are very accurate and are designed not to deliver therapy to someone who is not in cardiac arrest. When used properly and with appropriate precautions, AEDs are very simple to operate and pose no risk to either the rescuer or the patient.
Is sudden cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?
No. A heart attack occurs when a blood vessel feeding the heart itself is blocked by plaque or a blood clot. The longer the blood flow is interrupted the more extensive the damage done. The majority of heart attack victims survive the first attack. Treatment for heart attack includes angioplasty using a tiny balloon to widen blocked blood vessels and “clot-busting” drugs known as thrombolytics.
Sudden cardiac arrest involves problems with the heart’s electrical system, which can cause it to stop beating entirely. When that happens, blood flow to the rest of the body is interrupted, and the victim passes out. Defibrillation is the only known treatment for this condition, and AEDs are the quickest and most efficient way to reach individuals with this lifesaving therapy.
Do AED's really save lives?
"AEDs, when introduced into a strong community or workplace can save the lives of 30% or more of those who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest."How many people die from sudden cardiac arrest?
How many people die from sudden cardiac arrest?
"Every year 35,000-40,000 Canadians die of sudden cardiac arrest."