About 900 Americans die every DAY due to sudden cardiac arrest. This number is on a current increase after years of decline, per American Heart Association (AHA).
Cardiac arrest can affect any age, at any time, and at any location, including your business or office.
Sudden cardiac arrest is exactly as it sounds, often sudden and without any warning. There are several reasons why this may occur in a person, but the important takeaway is that defibrillation and CPR are needed AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to save the victim’s life.
As a Firefighter Paramedic in Charlotte County, I have literally seen the difference between the outcomes of patients who suffer cardiac arrest and receive CPR immediately and those who receive CPR and AED usage before I arrive in the ambulance.
Out-of-Hospital Survival Rates
From 2005 to 2007, a study was performed that resulted in some very amazing results.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests show a significant increase in survival percentages for cardiac arrest victims that received an AED shock.
38% of victims shocked with an AED survived hospital discharge, whereas those who received CPR only survived 9% of the time.
Finally, of those who received no CPR or defibrillation, only 7% survived.
So clearly AEDs save lives, but how does the speed of defibrillation affect the survival rate?
The survival rate from cardiac arrest drops by 7–10% for every minute that a patient has to wait for defibrillation.
Myth #1: AEDs are too expensive.
An AED really is not expensive when you factor in the potential lives it can save. Not to mention that if you place it in a predominant area, it is a great piece of equipment that instills confidence in your business.
I specifically look for AEDs when I join gyms or go to facilities.
AEDs typically range in cost depending on availability and options, but they typically run between $1,200 – $3,000.
At L.E.T.S., we promote and sell many brands of AEDs; however, due to our experience, we tend to recommend Zoll and Cardiac Science AEDs more than the other options. If you contact us, we will discuss your specific use case and ensure you have the right product even if you do not purchase from us.
That is how important we feel getting AEDs into the community is.
L.E.T.S. also offers an annual inspection schedule details are available on this flyer. The price for this service is $349.00/year and gives us all the headaches and responsibility to ensure your AED is always ready to be used.
Included in that price is an AED loaner, so your business or office is never without protection.
Myth #2: AEDs Increase liability risks.
We often hear concerns about liability risks for business owners who decide to place AEDs in their locations.
You are protected by several laws (Florida Statute 401.2915 -Automated external defibrillators and FS 768.13 Good Samaritan Act; immunity from civil liability.) and Florida legal precedents that protect you and anyone who attempts to use an AED.
It is the intent of the Legislature that an automated external defibrillator may be used by any person for the purpose of saving the life of another person in cardiac arrest. In order to achieve that goal, the Legislature intends to encourage training in lifesaving first aid and set standards for and encourage the use of automated external defibrillators.
In the legal opinions published, there is no said responsibility for a good Samaritan to act, and in order to encourage action without worry, the Good Samaritan Act can be summarized as “Any person, including those licensed to practice medicine, who gratuitously and in good faith renders emergency care or treatment either in direct response to emergency situations related to and arising out of a public health emergency… shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of such care or treatment or as a result of any act or failure to act in providing or arranging further medical treatment where the person acts as an ordinary reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.”
We recommend training your employees on the AEDs use and CPR, which we will do at a discounted rate for purchasers of AEDs.
However, you are not required to act; anything you do is above and beyond for the care of fellow citizens.
Now I do have to put a disclaimer; I am not a lawyer. Nor is any advice in this blog intended to replace the advice of legal counsel. I am sharing my personal experiences and research in this matter, which you can verify via court document searches and other experiences.
Myth #3: AEDs are complicated to use.
AEDs are designed for simplicity of use, as the machine does all the work. You open it up, turn it on, and they walk you verbally through the process of applying AED and performing CPR. AEDs are designed for people with no medical training.
As I said earlier, we always recommend training which we can provide in your location or at ours for a discounted rate for those who buy AEDs.
Conclusion
You have learned that AEDs are scientifically proven to provide the best potential outcomes for people suffering sudden cardiac arrest. We have debunked several myths that tend to prevent businesses from considering the purchase of AEDs and installing them in their locations.
Without a doubt, AEDs are not only life-saving pieces of equipment, but they also offer comfort and instill confidence in your existing and potential customers.
Be proud of your AED and safety programs in place, and do not be fearful of liability when it comes to saving a life.
PLEASE consider adding an AED to your location; we will make it painless and help you maximize the positive press and potentially life-saving abilities.
