As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the world, another crisis has emerged in the medical field – the national backorder of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
An AED is a portable electronic device that diagnoses and treats life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, through the delivery of a shock to the heart.
These devices are vital in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrest, which can occur at any time and to anyone, regardless of age or health.
L.E.T.S., a CPR/AED safety training company based in Sarasota, Florida, is well aware of the importance of AEDs in saving lives. Their mission is to provide high-quality CPR and AED training to individuals and organizations, with the goal of creating a safer community.
However, the national backorder of AEDs has made it difficult for L.E.T.S. and other organizations to fulfill their mission.
Factors Contributing to the Backorder of AEDs
The backorder of AEDs is due to a combination of factors, including increased demand, supply chain disruptions, and manufacturing delays.
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, many organizations and individuals became more aware of the importance of AEDs in saving lives. This led to a surge in demand for these devices, which quickly outstripped supply.
Additionally, disruptions in the global supply chain due to the pandemic, as well as manufacturing delays, have made it difficult for AED manufacturers to keep up with demand.
Implications for Public Health and Safety
The national backorder of AEDs has serious implications for public health and safety.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 350,000 deaths per year.
However, studies have shown that survival rates can be significantly improved with the timely use of an AED. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 7-10%.
This means that quick access to AEDs is crucial in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrest.
What Can Organizations and Individuals Do?
Despite the challenges posed by the national backorder of AEDs, there are steps that organizations and individuals can take to ensure that they have access to these life-saving devices.
First, it is important to plan ahead and order AEDs well in advance. With the current demand for AEDs, it may take several months for orders to be fulfilled. By planning ahead, organizations can ensure that they have an adequate supply of AEDs on hand in case of an emergency.
Another option is to consider purchasing refurbished AEDs. Refurbished AEDs are devices that have been previously used but have been restored to like-new condition by a certified technician.
These devices are often available at a lower cost than new AEDs and can be a good option for organizations that are on a tight budget.
Finally, it is important to ensure that AEDs are properly maintained and serviced.
AEDs require regular maintenance and testing to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Organizations should work with a certified AED technician to develop a maintenance schedule and ensure that their AEDs are always in good working order.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the national backorder of AEDs is a serious issue that has significant implications for public health and safety.
Organizations and individuals can take steps to ensure that they have access to these life-saving devices, including planning ahead, considering refurbished AEDs, and maintaining their devices properly.
At L.E.T.S., we remain committed to our mission of creating a safer community through high-quality CPR and AED training.
We encourage everyone to take action to ensure that they are prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies.
Together, we can make a difference in saving lives.
