More and more stories are published in the news regarding the importance of defibrillators in saving lives. Nurses get Cardio-Pulmonary Respiration training (CPR) along with Defibrillator training yearly to keep their skills up and react quickly to sudden cardiac events.

Defibrillators have become more and more common in businesses, schools, and homes. Public and personal safety is now a priority in a “personal” way. Look around you for the AED sign or AED cabinet. Check with your gym,library,bank, hotel, or other public gathering places to see if they have your safety as a #1 priority. If the don’t have the equipment, suggest that getting it would inspire confidence in their business.

I have every confidence in my physical therapy department. They display their device on the wall with a very prominent AED sign in their waiting room. Other businesses  who employ a large amount of personnel or do business with  the public would do well to follow their example. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur at any time in any age group. Saving a life is the most important thing anyone can accomplish in a lifetime.

Defibrillators give us a second chance at life and save lives. They are so easy to use. Push the power button and follow directions.