The Power of AEDs, A Lifesaving Initiative by Heart of the Nation
Have you ever seen someone having a heart attack? How about someone having a cardiac arrest? It can be scary, but knowing what to do is important. Understanding the signs and acting quickly can really make a significant difference and even save someone’s life.
But first, let’s look at the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack:
- A heart attack occurs when a pipe that carries blood to the heart gets blocked, and the heart muscle starts to die because it doesn’t get enough oxygen.
- A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, and the person stops breathing normally. So, a heart attack is about a blocked pipe, and a cardiac arrest is when the heart stops working like it should.
What is an AED?
Heart of the Nation’s Role in Saving Lives, Enhancing the Chain of Survival
Heart of the Nation (HOTN) plays a crucial role in the chain of survival, focusing on promoting Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and first aid awareness. AEDs are critical in increasing the chances of survival during Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) by providing immediate assistance, being easy to use, saving crucial time, being widely accessible, and significantly improving survival rates when used in conjunction with CPR.
New Sunrise and Heart of the Nation Partnership for a Great Cause
New Sunrise in its commitment to the community has teamed up with Greg Page founder of HOTN and a survivor himself in providing 400 AED placed in different Sunrise Local Stores across Australia. This is a huge step in making AEDs more available in the country.
“These AEDs are not just machines. They are beacons of hope and lifesavers in critical moments. We have already had AEDs used in emergency situations, with four life-saving outcomes,” Mr Cardinale said.
Here’s why AEDs are so important:
- Quick Response: AEDs provide immediate help in a heart emergency, increasing the chances of survival.
- User-Friendly: Anyone can use an AED, even without training.
- Saves Time: Every minute counts in a heart emergency. Using an AED quickly can make a big difference.
- Easy to Find: AEDs are often found in public places, making them easy to get in emergencies.
- Better Survival Chances: When used with CPR (a way to pump the heart manually), AEDs greatly improve the chances of survival.
How to use an AED in an Emergency?
If you see someone having a heart attack, here’s how you can use an AED to help:
- Assess the Situation:
- Ensure your safety and the safety of others.
- Confirm that the person is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally.
- Call for Help:
- Dial emergency services or instruct someone nearby to call for help.
- Retrieve the AED:
- If an AED is available, ask someone to bring it to you.
- If you are alone, call for emergency help first and then retrieve the AED if one is accessible.
- Turn On the AED:
- Power on the AED by following the instructions provided on the device.
- Attach Electrode Pads:
- Expose the person’s chest and attach the electrode pads as indicated on the AED. Typically, there are diagrams or pictures guiding proper placement.
- Analyze Heart Rhythm:
- Allow the AED to analyze the person’s heart rhythm. Ensure no one is touching the person during this analysis.
- Follow Voice or Visual Instructions:
- If the AED advises a shock, make sure everyone is clear and then press the shock button as directed.
- If no shock is advised, follow any additional instructions given by the AED, such as performing CPR until further analysis.
- Continue CPR:
- If the person does not regain consciousness, continue CPR until emergency medical help arrives.
Here is the importance of AED:
- Immediate Action: AEDs provide quick help during a sudden heart emergency, boosting chances of survival.
- Easy to Use: Designed for everyone, AEDs are simple to operate, even without any training.
- Time Saver: Using AEDs promptly is crucial, as each minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances. AEDs help save critical time.
- Widespread Access: AEDs are found in many public places, making them accessible for immediate use in emergencies.
- Increased Survival Rates: AEDs, when used alongside CPR, significantly improve the odds of survival for those facing sudden cardiac arrest.
Heart of the Nation App: Navigating the Chain of Survival
The Heart of the Nation app, a cornerstone in finding AEDs, aligns with the chain of survival CPR principles. Discover how this app simplifies the process, allowing users to pinpoint AEDs within a 5 km radius—integral steps in the first aid chain of survival.
- Google Playstore: Heart of the Nation Google Playstore App
- App Store: Heart of the Nation App Store
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Support the Heart of the Nation movement alongside Greg Page by becoming part of the community committed to heart health and safety. Play your part in strengthening the first aid chain of survival.
By joining forces, we can make a substantial impact in saving lives and promoting heart health awareness.