Shock Advised

posted 03/06/2009
Our community has been well served by extensive education in CPR and first aid. Many years ago, a new technology called the Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, was instituted. Initially, it was only used by trained medical professionals like EMTs. For the past several years, AEDs have become commonplace in public buildings such as malls and airports. Most EMTs and deputies have AEDs in their cars, and all of the schools have one. The cost has dropped significantly to around $1,000 each.

The AED is utilized when the heart stops. They are made to be very self-explanatory. You simply need to open the device and follow the prompts given by the machine. The AED has saved MANY lives, right here in our own community. But how does it work? What does it do?

When an adult's heart stops, it is usually due to a condition known as ventricular fibrillation. This condition causes the heart to beat out of sync. When the heart cannot beat in a regular coordinated fashion, the pulse is lost and the person will become unconscious. CPR must be initiated immediately, but the heart's electricity must also be restored to a normal organized order. The defibrillator delivers an electric shock which silences the chaotic rhythm and allows the to heart begin beating normally again, provided that good CPR kept blood flowing to the brain and heart muscle. Sometimes the heart may need several of these shocks to restore organized activity.

So if an adult goes unconscious, and there are no signs of life (coordinated breathing, movement, etc), immediately call 9-1-1 and begin CPR and apply the AED if available. If it is a child, do CPR for one minute and then call 9-1-1, as this primary electrical rhythm disturbance is usually not the problem. Apply the AED just in case, and follow all prompts.

If you need training in CPR or the AED, contact us at prevention@sanjuanems.org or call 378-5152 extension 3. Be prepared, call 9-1-1, and stay calm. Help is on the way.

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Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for more than 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and a Master of Art Degree in Higher Education. He is designated as a Chief Medical Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is a Senior Wilderness Medicine Instructor with the SOLO School of Wilderness and Emergency Medicine. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to chief@sanjuanems.org.