CPR & AED Awareness Week; AED, Automated External Defibrillators, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, SCA, CPR, CPR Training

CPR & AED Awareness Week has been created by the American Heart Association to promote the importance of being trained in CPR and how automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can help to increase the survival rate from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

CPR & AED Awareness week is from June 1 through June 7, 2010. The goal of the American Heart Association (AHA) is to inform the public about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how CPR can help to save a life. Along with CPR, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are use to revive patients suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

HeartSafe America is an official AHA training site for CPR and AED training courses. HeartSafe America’s goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how CPR and AEDs can help to increase the survival rate.

Have you considered CPR Training? Interested in an AED for your organization?

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about CPR Training and how your organization can implement an AED Program.

AED Post Event Review, Automated External Defibrillator, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, SCA, Event Review

Not sure what to do after using your AED during an emergency? Every Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has the ability to record the event that takes place during an emergency. All AEDs store event information and it can be downloaded from the AED for review.

Hopefully at this point your organization has purchased an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to protect your members and staff from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The possibility of using the AED, while slim, is definitely real. Therefore, it is very important to know how to use the AED and equally as important to know what to do after a usage.

Once an event has occurred, positive or negative, you must download the event data and forward it to the responding Physician and your Medical Director. Currently, every device on the market will record a minimum of 15 minutes of ECG analysis. Furthermore, some devices can record up to 8 hours of ECG or a short duration of both audible and ECG data. To find out your device's capability, consult your user's manual.

To download the event data, you must first have a computer with the appropriate manufacture's software. Most manufactures offer a basic version which can be downloaded for "Free" from the following sites:

• Cardiac Science Rescuelink
  Download link: Must contact Cardiac Science Tech Support to obtain link
• HeartSine EVO Saver Software
  Download Link: http://www.heartsine.com/index.php?page_id=152
• Defibtech Event Review Software
  Download Link: http://www.defibtech.com/downloads_utilities.html
• Physio Control LIFENET DT Express
  Download Link: CD Only, Field Service Rep can perform download for small fee.
• Philips Review Express
  Download Link
• Welch Allyn Smartlink Event Pro Software
  Download Link: Must send device in
• Zoll Rescue Net Code Review
  Download Link: http://www.zolldata.com/web/codeReview.aspx
  

After the software has been downloaded to your computer, the AED must be connected directly to the computer to review the event data. Currently, there are two methods for connecting and accessing this data:

• IRDA Adapter: Adapater connects through the computer's USB and allows the data to be transferred from the AED to the computer by lining up the infarred windows.
  Definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_Data_Association
  
• Data Cable: Cable connects through the computer's USB port and allows data to be transferred through a direct connection between the AED and the computer.

After a connection has been established, the manufacture's software program should be run to receive "event data" from the AED. After the data is downloaded, it can be emailed or printed depending on the software's capabilities.Finally, after the data download is complete, it is imperative that the pads and/or battery be replaced so the AED can be placed back into service.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about post even reviews and purchasing replacement AED accessories. Our goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs can help increase the survival rate of SCA.

Data Management Solutions; AED Tracking, AED Program, Automated External Defibrillator, SCA

Data Management Solution program is a simple way for any organization to keep their AED program on track. The AED Program Coordinator will be able to track each of the AEDs using our Data Management Solution program.

When implementing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program, performing monthly inspections, tracking replacement part expiration dates and monitoring CPR/AED training renewals can be time consuming and difficult to keep up with.

Therefore, in an effort to assist organizations in maintaining a successful and legally compliant AED Program, HeartSafe America has developed a proprietary web-based tracking program with the following features and functionality:

• Stores a master list of all AEDs, locations and contact personnel.
• Provides quick reference to AED serial numbers and all part numbers.
• Monthly inspection log which sends email reminders if inspection is not performed.
• Tracks replacement part expiration dates and sends email notifications.
• Designated section to document incidents and log event data.
• Tracks CPR/AED certified personnel and sends email renewal reminders.
• Numerous comprehensive reports to help AED Coordinator easily manage AED Program.
• Multiple security levels to limit user access based on AED Program responsibilities.

This software program is known as our “Data Management Solution (DMS)” and is currently being used by numerous Fortune 1000 companies.

Many organizations have similar questions as to why our Data Management Solution (DMS) program would be a good fit for their organization. At HeartSafe America, we want to ensure that every one our clients experiences the benefits of our DMS program. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our Data Management Solution program.

How will the data management solutions program be beneficial to my organization?

Our Data Management Solution (DMS) program allows an organization to manage their AED Program by organizing device information in a centralized web-based location for quick access. Having this information organized and readily available eliminates confusion, duplication and most importantly, keeps the AEDs “rescue ready”.

If my organization has AED in different locations, will my organization be able to track these AEDS?

Our DMS allows any organization to track an AED regardless of location. Once an AED is entered into the system, it is assigned to a specific location where the location can be viewed by the Site Coordinator and AED Program Coordinator regardless of geographic location.

Will the program notify my organization to perform the monthly inspections?

Monthly inspection reminders are sent out each month on the designated inspection date to the Site Coordinator or assigned inspector. If the inspection is not performed on the designated inspection date, the DMS will continue to email reminders until inspection is performed and entered into the system. These reminders should insure that your monthly inspections are being performed, keeping your organization legally compliant and your devices operational.

Will the DMS Program alert my organization when pads and batteries expire?

When your AED is entered into our DMS Program, the expiration dates for all replacement parts are documented. Then, at 90, 60 and 30 days prior to expiration, the DMS will automatically send an email reminder to Site Coordinator, Backup Site Coordinator and Program Coordinator alerting them to replace this part.

Can my organization track the personnel with CPR/AED training and when their renewals are due?

Our DMS allows your organization to input trained personnel along with their renewal date and certificate type. Then, at 60 and 30 days prior to the renewal, our DMS will automatically send an email reminder to the email address designated in this section.

If an emergency should happen and the AED is used, can my organization log the incident?

Our DMS has an incident log which can be utilized to track any instance when the AED is used. Whether the outcome is successful, unsuccessful or a non event, this information is an important historical reference to be utilized for comparison and training purposes.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out how our data management solutions program can be an asset to your organization’s AED program. Our goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can decrease the lives lost to SCA.

AED Liability, Automated External Defibrillator, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, SCA, CPR, Good Samaritan

Liability. This is a “fear” that weighs heavily on everyone’s mind when considering purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for their organization. All 50 states have created “Good Samaritan” and AED Laws to protect responders, organizations, and the victim. Understanding these laws is key to implementing a successful AED Program.

Is there a liability factor owning an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?

This question tends to be the number one factor in determining if a corporate, fitness, church or any other organization considers purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED) for their facility.

There are several factors supporting why liability should no longer be the number one deterrent when considering implementing an AED program. With the passing of the CASA act (Cardiac Arrest Survival Act) of 2000, passed by Bill Clinton, immunity measures from liability for the entity and/or person utilizing an AED in good faith have been enacted on a federal level.

The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA)1 now requires the U.S. Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department to establish guidelines for placing AEDs in federal buildings. These guidelines must include the proper placement of the AEDs and the appropriate procedures are followed:

• Implement the appropriate training program of the AED device and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
• Ensure the proper testing and ongoing maintenance of the AED
• Ensuring the proper licensed medical direction and oversight of the program
• Ensure that local EMS (Emergency Medical Services) have been notified of the devices and incidents and uses of the devices

When these guidelines were published, they lead to community based defibrillation programs leading to more unified state AED laws, regulations and training requirements, otherwise known as “Good Samaritan” laws.

Mr. Richard Lazar, a legal expert on emergency medical services topics and an advisor to the National Center for Early Defibrillation states: “The perceptions and fear of legal liability continue to serve as barriers to large-scale adoption of public access defibrillation (PAD) programs in out-of-hospital settings.”

With the help of the medical community’s experience of implementing multiple PAD programs across the US and the advancement in technology, AEDs have become more accessible and easier to purchase without the fear of liability. The trend and fear of not having an AED available at larger, more populated facilities, such as fitness facilities or sporting event venues, is starting to actually turn the other direction.

In the last several years, the liability factor for not having an AED has come up in multiple law suits across the country. Two of the most notable law suits happened in Florida on two separate occasions.

The first of which occurred at the Busch Gardens Theme Park when a 13 year old child died from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The park did NOT have an AED on site and was sued by the family. The Jury awarded a judgment of $500,000.00 in damages to the victim’s family.

A second example of a liability issue for not having an AED on site came to light at the “Q Sports Club” fitness center, in Florida. In this particular case a 42 year old gentleman went into SCA and the facility did not have an AED on sight. They were not able to revive the gentleman and he ended up in a coma with no brain function. This case settled out of court for the sum of 2.25 million dollars.

Cases like these clearly illustrate the liability risks that impact businesses can be greatly reduced by implementing AED programs. Obtaining the proper medical direction, following Good Samaritan laws, and receiving the proper CPR/AED training from an experienced and accredited training center, are all major factors in implementing a successful and compliant program.

Contact HeartSafe America to find out more about implementing your AED program utilizing the direction of your state’s Good Samaritan Laws and the CASA act of 2000 guidelines. HeartSafe America offers AEDs from the top AED manufactures. Our goal is to help educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs can help decrease the number of deaths from Sudden Cardiac Arrest with the proper AED program and training.

1 Lazar R.A. Understanding legal issues: National Center for Early Defibrillation