A True Save Miracle
Most people know that CPR has something to do with compressions on the chest and giving breaths, but don’t know anything about the AED. The Automatic External Defibrillator. The AED gives electrical shocks if needed after it has evaluated the patient’s current rhythm.
A quick anatomy lesson in layman’s terms, and I love anatomy. Your heart is comprised of two components; a mechanical and an electrical. The mechanical is the actual muscle of your heart that contracts and relaxes to pump blood out to your lungs and the rest of your body. The electrical component involves your pacemaker cells that set the rate and rhythm for your heart.
There are many causes for someone to go into cardiac arrest, and they involve one component or both. Therefore, the CPR provides mechanical support of the heart pump with oxygenation through breaths and the AED provides electrical support to the pacemaker cells.
On your average Monday morning this past January at the high school, 18-year-old Alex Bowen was in class doing his thing when he was accidentally electrocuted. That sudden overwhelming electrical surge on his heart, and the rest of his body, sent him into cardiac arrest. The fantastic teachers that were present went into auto-drive and performed heroically and perfectly as they had been taught in previous classes in CPR/AED.
Because of the mechanical CPR performed until the AED could be retrieved from the office, Alex’s heart, brain, lungs, and other vital organs would remain nourished with oxygenated blood. Once the AED was at his side and the pads applied, the life-saving shock to reset his pacemaker cells was delivered.
Alex had a self-sustaining heartbeat before he was transferred to a higher level of care ALL because of at-scene CPR and the AED! Alex has since returned to school and his normal activities. Folks, this is WHY we offer CPR/AED classes! This is why everyone in our county should have this life saving training!
Let’s talk about AED’s. Whenever you are in a public place, look around. Look for the large square box on the wall. Places such as schools, hotels, recreation fields, and libraries usually keep them at a front desk. Be aware.
But did you know you could also have one at your home? No, they’re not cheap. They average around $1000, with refurbished ones a good bit cheaper. If you can prioritize it into your budget, it can truly be a life-saver.
If you have any questions as to how, what-ifs, or anything else I openly invite you to email me at jcfrcpr@gmail.com. I am more than willing to answer any questions, provide resources, or assist in helping your family be as prepared as possible for an emergency.
Be diligent, be prepared, be safe.
