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Do I Need the same defibrillator used by the EMS in my town?
Friday, October 15, 2010
posted by Pat 10:51 AM
The EMS in a town or city like to have the townspeople use the same defibrillators. Why? Because they can connect your defibrillator leads to theirs without replacing the pads on the victim. This saves them time and money. Some rescuers will replace pads anyway. Its as if they don’t think we are capable of making a correct placement with the pads. If I have offended any professional rescuers I apologize, however, I had a rescuer laugh in my prescence to a colleague about the fact that pads are frequently replaced by them. You should know that many companies have connectors to adapt different defibrillators’ accessories to another. Therefore it is not necessary to buy a specific brand simply because your town has that kind.
Buy the best one for you! Check to see if your favorite has a connector for the town’s choice of defibrillator. Don’t be misled into getting a particular brand “because the fire department uses that one”. It might not have been chosen for quality but for a cheaper price or “perks.”
We sell Zoll, Philips, and Defibtech which we consider high quality and reliable for any occasion.I have a hard time choosing between them for my preference because they offer such unique differences. Zoll has pictures and oral instructions. Philips can convert the FRx from adult to pediatric use by the infant/child key. This allows you to use the adult pads as a child pad. Defibtech offers simplicity,ruggedness, and reliability. All defibrillators offer audio instruction.
Don’t forget to do your homework. Check all the brands to see your options and work the best deal. Remember the most expensive is not always the best and neither is the cheapest. I know we all want a bargain but if you need to replace batteries, pads and other accessories then it is a bad bargain. Be smart. Go with a reputable company and check your products track record.
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Zoll Corporation has landed a major contract from the United Kingdom. It has been picked as the supplier of automated external defibrillators for BHF ( the British Heart Foundation).
Zoll has now become a leader in the international market for medical devices. The UK has over 200,000 deaths per year due to SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest). Early defibrillation increases reversal by 50%. Zoll is expected to really make a difference to British subjects.
Zoll’s growth is due to their innovation of many various products and superior technology. Their competition is Cardiac Science Corporation, HeartSine Technologies, and Defibtech.
They have an M Series,E Series, R Series, Zoll Plus, Zoll Pro and the latest is the Lifevest Wearable Defibrillator.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office received an $1800 donation from the Independent Insurance Agents of Metro Decatur for the purchase of a defibrillator. This will upgrade their service to provide a life saving opportunity for their community. A member of the department who is certified in using the defibrillator will train the other officers. Their goal is to eventually have a defibrillator for each squad car.
Other law enforcement departments in other states have had successful out comes with their programs. Lives of their community members have reaped the benefits of a second chance at life. This is definitely a wonderful start for Decatur, Illinois’ Rescue program.
Life is precious and every precaution should be taken to prolong it. An automated external defibrillator definitely qualifies as a must for those sudden cardiac arrests.
Mr. Gaylord Hall and his wife were checking in at a Delta kiosk in a Louisiana airport when he suddenly collapsed. Dr. Dennis Tracey MD took comtrol of the situation by assessing Mr. Hall and began CPR. The airport AED was rushed to Dr. Tracey who defibrillated Mr. hall successfully.
When EMTs arrived he was stable and ready for transport to a medical facility. Trained medical personnel and proper equipment on hand made this event special. Don’t you love what God does? I am so blessed to hear of this miracle.
Defibrillators (or AEDs) really do make a difference!
As we get older and more infirm and fragile we should consider what to do with an implantable defibrillator. If your heart rate slows you will get a shock to raise it. If you or a loved one is dying this can be counter productive to the natural process of dying. I know most of us don’t want to die but lets face it death is our ultimate end until we pass on to another dimension. ( Yes, I believe in heaven and hell).
If you have a loved one who wishes to be not resuscitated in the event of a catastrophic situation that cannot be reversed then consider removing the device. Talk it over with your family or loved one so everyone understands the plan. Also speak with your doctor and remind him that the defibrillator is functioning. If you don’t then it will keep discharging and trying to reverse the heart rate to a normal rhythm.
Sometimes this issue gets overlooked and it is very important to you and a family member if this situation occurs. I suggest this as an extreme measure when all options are gone.
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is best known for affecting soldiers in war and traumatic events in our lives. Well now it is connected with some individuals having received an implantable defibrillator after a cardiac event.
Studies show that if the individual experiences PTSD regardless of their disease they will succumb in 5 years. Sounds like therapy will help to reduce the stress and add to a longer life.
Surviving a sudden cardiac arrest leaves significant distress symptoms.Symptoms which include intense fear,painful memories, and psychological tension.
On Nov.18th 2009 Assistant Chief of EMS, John McFarland cancelled the maintenance program for AEDs in FDNY and ordered coordinators to keep all expired LP12s (LifePack 12 defibrillators) in service.
Many EMTs are concerned about the patient lives at risk by getting a malfunctioning defibrillator. The union also expressed concern of a possible critical failure as the overhaul time lengthens. They also worry about the diagnostics being accurate and trustworthy. In Oct. 2009 a Staten Island ambulance was out of service for 4 hours while waiting for a replacement defibrillator fronm Brooklyn.
These defibrillators cost $25,000 each and not to follow maintenance protocol seems foolish and dangerous for the unlucky victim who gets a malfunctioing defibrillator.
I think the cost of the defibrillator,maintenance schedule,and features could have been more carefully screened before this white elephant ( or should I say- cash cow) began to drain the budget. This is your tax dollar at work? Who is their adviser? The national mint? Who did the planning on this?
What is a life saving investment? Money in an annuity? Maybe, but be prepared for gain and loss in the stock markets. My idea of a life saving investment is a defibrillator. If a loved one has a heart condition it only stands to reason that a specialized medical device be on hand to reverse a cardiac arrest and save a life.
Many people with heart problems feel that what will be will be. Is that true? It doesn’t have to be. Cars come with seat belts. Not everyone uses them. Those that do have protection. Those that don’t are playing Russian Roulette with their lives. What kind of person are you? Safe or sorry?
Now defibrillators are so easy to use by the lay person. The device practically does everything for you. It verbally instructs you and only shocks if necessary. If you get stressed and try to shock the victim by acident it refuses to do it. The voice you hear is calming and soothing to your nerves aiding you in this stressful moment. The instructions are clear and concise. The buttons precisely marked.
Automated external defibrillators are necessities for heart patients. Don’t you want to be prepared and show how much you care for your loved one’s safety? Again the choice is yours.
I’m sure everyone who reads this blog is aware that we are concerned with defibrillators. Specifically, Philips,Defibtech, and Zoll. When I see recalls I get anxious but recalls are important and I respect the companies that admit a problem and try to correct it. Many defibrillator companies have had problems with their AEDs and have had recalls. Zoll has issued an alert that some of their Zoll AED Plus defibrillators have defective batteries and software.
On Feb. 12,2009, Zoll announced that a new software download was available free of charge which would detect a potential defective battery. This defect caused 2 deaths due to a shock which was not delivered to a patient. The company did a thorough investigation of the problem.
The solution is the free download at www.zollaedplusbatteryhelp.com. Any one not sure about their aed please go to that website for further information. Zoll cares!!!
Clay County received a $16,000 grant from the Dakota Medical Foundation to provide the patrol division with 7 new Philips Heartstart automated external defibrillators.
Their deputies have been given a refresher course in CPR and training on the defibrillators. As a first responder their task will certainly be made easier to attempt to resuscitate a victim of a cardiac event and know that his/her chances of survival are greatly increased by not having to wait for EMTs.
I think the people in this county can feel safer knowing that their lives are in good hands.