The Philips HeartStart AED – A Life Saving Device For Sudden Cardiac Arrest Emergencies

Any person, young or old, male or female, slim or overweight, can become a victim of a cardiac arrest, an unexpected medical situation where in the heart fails to contract effectively and causes the blood to cease circulating. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about 350,000 adults die from sudden cardiac arrest each year. Around 20,000 to 100,000 of these cardiac arrest victims can be saved with proper training, timely help, and use of life-saving devices such as Philips HeartStart Automated External Defibrillators.

Automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device that delivers doses of electrical shock to the victim's heart, thereby stopping its erratic heartbeat and allowing the heart to reestablish its normal rhythm.

If you are uncertain whether you've seen an AED or not, this is the thing that doctors use when they try to revive a patient. A doctor shouts, "Clear," then delivers electric shocks to the patient's chest. That machine is the AED.

Studies show that the use of HeartStart AED increases the rate of survival of cardiac arrest victims by as much as 49%.

In an effort to create a healthier America, the AHA initiates the deployment of AEDs in public areas such as malls, airports, schools, airplanes, restaurants, and many others.

Basic training is required for the effective use of Philips HeartStart AED although any non-expert can operate this life-saving gadget during cases of sudden cardiac arrest. According to surveys, most Americans are not confident in giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using AED during a cardiac arrest. With simple training, the AHA hopes to enable people to overcome their fears in making lifesaving decisions.

The AHA spends millions yearly to finance trainings for these situations. Free courses are also provided by the American Red Cross on CPR and AED use. People from all ages can attend these trainings, after which they become nationally recognized certified rescuers. They will use the same AED life saving devices used by lifeguards, firefighters, and police officers, like the Philips onsite AED device. Accordingly, if used within the first minute of cardiac arrest, Philips onsite AED can save the lives of up to 90% of the victims.

Philips HeartStart home defibrillator is available over-the-counter without prescription. Others can be purchased with prescription.

One popular AED models is the LIFEPAK CR(R) Plus. A voice prompt guides the user through the rescue process. The lightweight gadget is available in semi-automatic and automatic models, depending on the user requirements.

In using the semi-automatic model, assessment of the rescuer is required first before applying the electrodes. The device checks the heart's rhythm then prompts the user if there is a need to be defibrillated. In the automatic version, the device does everything for the rescuer. He just needs to apply the device; the gadget does the analysis and administers the electric currents if required.

The American Heart Association is a voluntary health association seeking to build a country free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. It was established in 1924 by six cardiologists seeking for the country's enlightenment about heart diseases.

Mt Marquez writes articles about health issues and medical products like Philips HeartStart AED. More information about this medical device is available at http://www.Aedrx.com.