Automated External Defibrillators
Over 220,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. Most of these deaths occur outside hospitals (80% of deaths occur at home). In 2001 and 2002, there were 6628 workplace fatalities reported to Government; 1216 from heart attack 354 from electric shock, and 267 form asphyxia. A number of these victims, up to 60%, might have been saved if Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) were immediately available.
The AED is an electronic device designed to deliver an electric shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation may be restored to normal rhythm up to 60% of the time if treated promptly with an AED, a procedure called defibrillation. |
