Life is uncertain!

It is almost impossible to be 100% sure of the future, anything can happen to anyone at any time. However, in the case of Sudden Cardiac Arrests (SCA), the presence of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) could be the difference between life and death. You might not know, but without a defibrillator, the survival rate for SCA drops by approximately 10% per minute. 

In this article, we’ll explore the rising threat of sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of installing AEDs in public spaces - let’s dive in.  

What is Cardiac Arrest - Overview and Causes 

Let’s understand the science of SCA. Blood is an essential fluid with vital components that the heart pumps throughout the body. When this circulation abruptly stops due to a malfunction of the heart's electrical conduction system, a cardiac arrest occurs. 

What makes this scary is that, most often, there are no prior symptoms. Even individuals who seem to have healthy lifestyles could suffer from a sudden cardiac arrest. This circumstance can be caused by various factors including cardiac and non-cardiac medical problems. Some examples of cardiac problems include; underlying heart conditions, genetic predisposition, heart failure or arrhythmias and examples of non-cardiac problems include: drug or alcohol use, drug overdose and hypoxia.

The Science of Defibrillation: How It Restores a Normal Heartbeat

In the simplest terms, a cardiac arrest results from a malfunction of the electrical conduction system of the heart, and defibrillation resets the heart's electrical activity. 

SCA causes a chaotic rhythm which reduces the heart's ability to pump blood properly. So what the AED does is deliver a targeted electrical shock. It’s almost like hitting the RESET button on the heart’s electrical system, it gives the heart a chance to go back to its normal rhythm.

Why Immediate Response is Crucial

Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs. 

Brain damage can start happening after just 3-5 minutes without oxygen, and the longer the brain goes without it, the higher the risk of permanent damage or even death.

Providing First Aid within the first few minutes to someone who has just suffered a cardiac arrest increases their chances of survival by 50-74% and reduces the risk of brain damage. Faster recovery times, fewer long-term consequences, shorter hospital stays, and speedier rehabilitation among other benefits.

Key Locations That Must Have a Defibrillator

As per The Heart Foundation of Australia, approximately 25,000 people suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year and in most of these cases, the causes are unknown. 

The survival rate is alarmingly low at less than 10%, a situation that can be curtailed by making defibrillators accessible in the following public spaces:

Shopping Centres and Public Transport Hubs: High-traffic areas like shopping centres and public transport hubs have an influx of people coming in and out each day and the likelihood of someone getting a cardiac arrest in such a place is high. Easily accessible defibrillators in these spaces are life-saving.

Schools and Universities: SCA does not know the age. Students and teachers alike are not immune. There needs to be AEDs installed in educational institutions to contribute to safeguarding the lives of all occupants and fostering a safe learning environment. 

Sports Venues and Gyms:  Many people neglect other aspects of their health thinking that working out at the gym is the only way to stay healthy, however, physical exertion can trigger a sudden cardiac arrest, especially in individuals who have undiagnosed heart complications. An on-site AED can help address any cardiovascular emergency promptly.

Workplaces and Offices: Typically we spend a third of our lives at our workplaces, which makes the workplace a critical place to have an AED. Installing some at vantage points depending on how big the organization is, should be a priority for the safety department so that any unforeseen emergencies can be properly managed.

Remote and Rural Areas: Emergency response times to remote areas might take longer than usual mostly because of distance, to prevent any issues of brain damage or death as previously established, an AED in such areas is vital to provide life-saving support while waiting for expert medical attention.

Luckily, almost anyone can use this device without extensive medical training or needing to know anything about the person’s medical history because the voice prompts and visual instructions serve as a comprehensive guide even in high-pressure situations.

Debunking Myths About Public Access Defibrillators

All that said, let us now discuss some common myths about the use of AEDs in a public setting.

Myth #1: Defibrillators are Too Expensive

There is a popular saying that goes “You are not wealthy enough until you have something money cannot buy”. 

Essentially you can not buy life back once you have lost it so although acquiring an AED requires an initial investment, the value of life is incomparable to the cost of one.

Myth #2: Using a Defibrillator Can Make Things Worse

The AED is designed to be safe and only delivers a shock when it has detected a shockable heart rhythm. There is also a misconception that AEDs make matters worse for people in cardiac arrest, but the only thing that can make matters worse is inaction.

Myth #3: Only Medical Professionals Should Use a Defibrillator

Not true - anyone at all can use an AED. 

Luckily, Australia has Good Samaritan laws that protect people who attempt to help someone in an emergency situation, including using an AED. 

Moreover, defibrillators today are designed to be user-friendly, with step-by-step guidelines and instructions - making it easier to use while waiting for an ambulance. 

Find the Perfect Defibrillator for Sale Online in Australia

Cardiac arrest strikes without warning. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. 

Having a defibrillator in public places can be what would save someone’s life. In fact, defibrillators need to be as common as fire extinguishers. In Australia, you can find defibrillators for sale online - simply place an order for top-rated products like Heartsine Defibrillators, Zoll Defibrillators or Lifepak Defibrillators and ensure you are helping save lives in dire situations. 

Also Read: Essential Uses of Defibrillators: When and How to Use Them Effectively