Cardiac emergencies can strike unexpectedly, so having access to life-saving resources is crucial. And using automated external defibrillators is extremely important in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrest.
Recent studies have shown that early defibrillation can improve survival rates by up to 75%. This statistic highlights the importance of having AEDs readily available in key locations where cardiac emergencies are likely to occur.
Because of their effectiveness, AEDs have become vital in emergency response efforts. Keep reading to find out more about the AED importance and AED accessibility.
Places That Should Always Have an AED
Early defibrillation within the first few minutes of SCA can save a person’s life, so it’s crucial to have a proper AED placement in easily accessible corners in public spaces, workplaces, and other high-risk areas.
In shopping malls, parks, and sports arenas, the presence of an AED can make all the difference for someone experiencing SCA. High-risk workplaces, including factories, and construction sites, should prioritize AED placement to protect their workforce. Other potentially risky areas, such as gyms, swimming pools, and airports, should be equipped with AEDs to provide immediate assistance to anyone in need.
Let’s go over some public locations where an AED is essential:
AED in Workplaces
Many people spend a significant portion of their day in office buildings and workplaces, and sudden cardiac arrests can occur regardless of age or pre-existing health conditions. Equipping these environments with AEDs can provide employees and visitors with a critical lifeline in emergencies, potentially saving lives while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.
When placing an AED in workplaces, the key is accessibility and visibility. Recommended locations include areas that are highly visible and can be reached quickly from different parts of the workplace, such as lobbies, reception areas, next to elevators, or near main entrances. Also, it’s imperative to place AEDs in workplaces with a higher risk of SCA, like manufacturing floors or where physical exertion is common.
Training employees on AED usage and incorporating it into the workplace’s emergency response protocol further enhances the preparedness and the ability to respond effectively during emergencies. Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no federal laws that require AEDs in the workplace, but there is legislation about the availability of AEDs in public spaces.
AED in Schools
Schools are dynamic settings with a diverse population, including students, teachers, and staff members. Sudden cardiac arrests can occur among individuals with undiagnosed heart conditions, especially during physical activities or sports events.
While it is relatively rare in school settings, being prepared for such emergencies is crucial for saving lives. Schools have a duty to protect the well-being of their students, and the best areas to place AEDs are on every floor of the building, next to the sports field and the main office.
Every year, around 7000 children younger than 18 experience SCA. Even though the possibility of cardiac arrest is lower among young people, some changes should still be included, like providing AED training for students in every school.
AED in Sports Facilities
Sports facilities, including stadiums, arenas, fitness centers, and recreational centers, attract large crowds engaged in physical activities. The exertion and stress associated with sports increase the risk of cardiac events, even among seemingly healthy individuals.
Despite being in excellent physical condition, Damar Hamlin went into SCA during a football match. This unfortunate event raised awareness of how important prevention and immediate response is. With SCA being the primary cause of death among young athletes, placing AEDs in sports facilities can contribute to the overall safety of athletes, coaches, and spectators, enhancing the sporting experience while prioritizing their well-being.
Placing AEDs near playing fields, courts, tracks, locker rooms, and spectator stands ensures rapid access to potentially life-saving treatment.
AED in Airports
Airports are busy transit hubs with travelers from around the world. The stress of travel, long hours, and exposure to environmental factors can contribute to cardiac emergencies.
Placing AEDs in prominent locations, such as terminal entrances, gate areas, and security checkpoints, ensures that these life-saving devices are readily available to respond swiftly to emergencies. Regular maintenance and checks should also be conducted to ensure that the AEDs are in proper working condition.
AED in Shopping Centers
Having AEDs in shopping centers is essential for prompt intervention during sudden cardiac arrests. Placing AEDs strategically throughout easily identifiable locations, such as near entrances, food courts, restrooms, information desks, or security stations, ensures quick access for shoppers and staff members.
AEDs in shopping centers contribute to a safe shopping environment, demonstrating a commitment to customer safety and emergency preparedness. Because shopping centers are huge, busy areas, finding an AED can be challenging. If a person has an SCA in such an environment, it’s essential to make space immediately, lay the victim on the floor, check for a pulse, find the AED, and perform CPR if needed.
AED in Community Centers
Community centers serve as gathering places for various recreational, social, and cultural activities. Placing AEDs in community centers is crucial for responding to cardiac emergencies during events and other community gatherings.
Install AEDs in common areas, such as lobbies, reception areas, or near main entrances. These locations are easily identifiable and accessible in case of emergency. Community centers should provide AEDs that are clearly marked with visible signage so people can find them faster.
AED in Public Spaces
Public spaces, such as parks, train stations, bus terminals, and subway stations, are frequented by a large number of people. Having AEDs in these areas is important because SCA can occur at any time and affect individuals of all ages.
AEDs are designed to be user-friendly, with clear voice and visual instructions, allowing bystanders to respond quickly and potentially save a life. Placing AEDs in public spaces, clearly marked with visible signage, ensures that immediate assistance can be provided in case of a cardiac emergency, demonstrating a commitment to public safety.
AED in Hotels and Resorts
Hotels and resorts are places where a lot of people are circulating. Traveling, especially long-distance journeys and dealing with time zone changes, can be stressful for guests.
Additionally, hotel facilities often include fitness centers, swimming pools, and recreational areas where guests engage in physical activities, and unfortunately, these factors can increase the risk of cardiac events. As guest safety is a top priority for hotels, the best areas to place AEDs are in the lobby, reception, swimming pool, sauna, and near stairwells and elevators.
How to Use an AED
Using an AED is relatively straightforward, and modern defibrillators are designed to provide clear instructions to guide users through the process. Here are the steps on how to use an AED properly:
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- Assess the situation. Check around yourself for any potential hazards or dangers. If the environment is unsafe, move the person to a safe area.
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- Call for emergency assistance. Dial the emergency services or instruct someone nearby to call for help.
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- Expose the person’s chest. Remove the clothes and ensure the chest is dry, as moisture can interfere with the AED’s function.
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- Turn on the AED. Locate the power button and turn it on. The AED will start providing voice prompts and visual instructions to guide you.
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- Apply the electrode pads. Most AEDs come with pre-connected electrode pads. Take them from the packaging and place them on the person’s chest.
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- Analyze the rhythm of the heart. Once the electrode pads are correctly applied, the device will analyze the victim’s heartbeat.
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- Follow the AED prompts. Based on the analysis, the AED will provide voice prompts and visual instructions for the next steps. It will either instruct you to administer a shock or continue CPR.
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- If shock is advised. If the device determines that an electroshock is necessary, it will instruct you to clear the area and press the button.
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- Perform CPR if directed. If the AED advises against a shock or after delivering a shock, it may instruct you to perform CPR. Follow the AED’s prompts and continue CPR until professionals arrive.
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- Stay with the victim. After using the AED, continue to provide care and support to the victim until emergency medical services arrive.
Bottom Line
The placement of AEDs in strategic locations plays a crucial role in the safety and well-being of individuals in high-risk areas. These life-saving devices should be accessible in airports, sports fields, schools, shopping centers, gyms, hotels, office buildings, and public transportation stations.
AEDs allow bystanders, trained personnel, and individuals with minimal medical knowledge to deliver prompt and effective assistance in a time-sensitive situation. Investing in widespread AED availability is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding human lives and promoting public health.