You Purchased an AED…Now What?

Each year, more than 350,000 people suffer from (out-of-hospital) cardiac arrest – an electrical malfunction in the heart that disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs.

As a leading cause of death, chances of surviving a cardiac arrest incident rely heavily on immediate CPR and AED use.

Statistically speaking, if you are needed to perform CPR or use an AED, it will most likely be that of someone you know: a spouse, neighbor, coworker, or friend.

With these rising occurrences, it is more important than ever to have quick and easy access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Whether you have purchased an AED for your home, car, church, or office, Home Hazard Prevention can help with implementing your new AED program, maintaining your new AED, and conducting your CPR and AED training.

Implementing Your New AED Program

As you unbox your new AED, it is important to create an implementation program.

·         AEDs should be installed in plain sight, readily accessible, and their location easily identifiable in an emergency. A good rule of thumb is to place an AED in a location that can be accessed within a 3-5 minute response time to any potential victim because a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 7% to 10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation.

·         In Arizona, when you purchase and install an AED, you need to have physician oversight. This can be in the form of a prescription (for an AED that you have purchased for your home) or as part of medical direction for your workplace or public access defibrillation program. (Arizona Revised Statutes 36-2262).

·         Once your AED is installed, it is important to raise awareness of your new AED. Cardiac arrest is unpredictable and can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. By telling your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about your new purchase, you are educating as many people as possible should an emergency occur and empowering them with the ability to begin CPR and administer your AED.

·         All intended/potentials users of the AED should receive training in CPR and the use of the AED.

Maintaining Your New AED

Even though AEDs generally require very little maintenance, all AEDs should be inspected and maintained according to your specific AED manufacturer’s guidelines. This typically includes ensuring that the AED is in good working condition, has performed regular self-checks, and is routinely tested.

Is your AED chirping or beeping? Is there a flashing red light? If any of these alerts or noises are present, your AED is in need of maintenance.

Have questions about maintaining your AED or implementing an AED program?

Home Hazard Prevention can help!

Whether it is setting you up with our preferred AED management software or completing your monthly inspections, we can guide you through ensuring your AED is ready to use in the event of an emergency, checking your AED for recall and warranty expiration, ensuring your pads and battery are up-to-date and installed, and completing an inspection report for your records.

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Home Hazard Prevention, located in Queen Creek, Arizona, specializes in CPR and First Aid training, AED Sales and Inspections, Fire Extinguisher Safety, Smoke Detector Maintenance, and Car Seat Safety throughout the Phoenix Metro area.

#ThinkSafetyLiveSafely!

Be sure to contact Home Hazard Prevention for any of your personal or family safety needs. From mobile CPR training to car seat education to infant safety (and much more!) HHP is here to help! Remember, a complete safety program does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. As a group of professional firefighters, there is no one more qualified than us to help keep your family safe! (480) 448-0266 or Nick@HomeHazardPrevention.com

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