• How To Use an Automated External Defibrillator

    Before using an automated external defibrillator (AED) on someone who you think is having sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), check him or her. If you see a person suddenly collapse and pass out, or if you find a person already unconscious, confir

  • What Are the Risks of Using an Automated External Defibrillator?

    Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are safe to use. There are no reports of AEDs harming bystanders or users. Also, there are no reports of AEDs delivering inappropriate shocks. If someone is having sudden cardiac arrest, using an AED

  • Automated External Defibrillators in the Public Domain Am I Ready to Use One?

    The majority of deaths yearly in the United States (approximately 1 million) are the result of cardiovascular disease. Many of these deaths occur because of sudden and unexpected disturbances of the normal heart rhythm that result in ineffe

  • “Chain of Survival” and the Importance of Defibrillation

    To improve the prehospital care of victims of cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association has developed the Chain of Survival, wherein a sequence of interventions results in improved survival after a cardiac arrest. These steps include ea

  • AED Design and Function

    AEDs are lightweight, portable devices containing a battery, capacitors, and electronic circuitry to analyze the cardiac rhythm and inform the operator when a defibrillation shock is needed. The adhesive electrode pads that are placed on th

  • Recognizing a Victim Who May Need an AED

    Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. The victim becomes unresponsive suddenly and collapses. Typically, the victim does not respond when called and shaken gently. The breathing pattern is usually abnormal, and the victim m

  • Am I Ready to Use One?

    The American Heart Association supports the establishment of programs to train and equip lay responders to activate the Chain of Survival and to use the AED in the event of a cardiac arrest. AEDs are commonly placed in public locations beca

  • What Is a Pacemaker?

    A pacemaker is a small device thats placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me

  • Understanding the Heart's Electrical System

    Your heart has its own internal electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top of your heart to the bottom. As the signal travels, it causes the heart to

  • AED State Laws

    All fifty states have enacted laws and/or regulations requiring that public gathering places have AEDs available. The intent of these laws and regulations are so sudden cardiac death or neurological damage will not be the end result in any

  • Why AEDs Are Important

    AEDs – The only effective intervention for sudden cardiac arrest

  • How AEDs have saved lives

    Having the confidence to respond to a cardiac arrest with an AED can mean the difference between life and death. Reports of AED success stories regularly appear in the media here are just some examples of how AEDs can save lives. AED helps

  • Manitoba's defibrillator legislation a first in Canada

    The Manitoba government hopes groundbreaking legislation requiring defibrillators be installed at high-traffic public spaces across the province will make the life-saving machines as common a sight as fire extinguishers in the future. Premi

  • Guidelines for CPR and Automated External Defibrillators

    Cardiac arrest, which often leads to a heart attack, is frighteningly common: every minute of every day there is another victim, according to the American Red Cross. Almost 80% of cardiac arrests occur at home and are witnessed by a family m

  • CPR for kids

    CPR - child (1 to 8 years old) Email this page to a friend Email this page to a friend Facebook Twitter Google+ CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a lifesaving procedure that is done when a childs breathing or heartbeat has