AED Brands Blog

Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How. – Learn Life Saving Skills

September is National Preparedness Month, and disasters can happen anywhere at any time. Learn a lifesaving skill this month in order to prepare yourself!

 

Find out what classes could be accessible to your family, friends, business, church, etc.

 

1. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class – This type of program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness. They teach skills that you can rely on during disaster situations through hands-on practice. Find a class near you!

 

2. CPR & First Aid Training class – Learn how to save a life through our program that educates your facility on AED usage, first aid, and CPR! Schedule a class today!

 

3. American Heart Association (AHA) online class – Find many different convenient classes to take from the comfort of your own computer! Classes range from CPR and AED classes to Bloodborne Pathogens classes. Find a course that will help you save a life, today!

 

 

If you have questions about AED usage and CPR leave us a comment, give us a call at 855-873-8503, or email us at customerservice@aedbrands.com

 

 

Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How. – Make and Practice Your Plan

Disaster can strike at any time and you can be prepared! Since September is National Preparedness Month, make and practice your plan with your family.

 

 

Gather together and ask yourselves these important questions:

 

1. How will you know when an emergency strikes?

Make sure all family members with a smartphone have Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) on their device. The alerts you should have on your phone are:

• Extreme Weather Alerts (Download weather app)
• Amber Alerts (Enable setting on device)
• Presidential Alerts (Download IPAWS app)

 

 

2. Where will you go during an emergency?

The safest places to go can differ depending on what type of emergency you are dealing with. You’ll want to be well informed about what shelter to take for each emergency. If you are in need of the help from a mass care shelter you can find your nearest one by texting SHELTER and your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov

 

 

3. How will you safely evacuate during an emergency?

Know what types of disasters are likely in your community and learn the local evacuation plans for each disaster. Familiarize yourself with alternate routes out of your area and be sure to follow the instructions of local officials.

 

When you become an owner of an AED, you must make and practice a plan to follow during emergencies. Just like you prepare your home with a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and other emergency supplies you need to prepare your AED. AccuTrack is a program that will keep you and your AED prepared for an emergency. You wouldn’t let your emergency supplies for your home expire. Similarly, AccuTrack helps keep you accountable so that your AED supplies don’t become expired. To learn more about AccuTrack visit our website by following the link below! If you have  questions about AccuTrack leave us a comment, give us a call at 855-873-8503, or email us at customerservice@aedbrands.com

 

https://www.aedbrands.com/services/program-management

 

 

Why should pads/electrodes always be plugged into an AED?

If you have an AED (a portable defibrillator), you should know there are maintenance issues that need to be addressed. One of these issues is the importance of the AED pads (electrodes) and why they need to stay connected to your device. A defibrillator is only functional if its components are up-to-date and the pads are plugged into the device at all times. In the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), you only have 10 minutes to save someone’s life – that includes the time it takes you to assess the victim, grab the AED, call 911, connect the victim to the AED, and begin CPR.

 

By keeping the pads plugged into the AED, you will save time in an emergency response. If the pads are not connected to the AED, the device is not rescue ready. By keeping the pads connected to the device, you ensure that your Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will be ready to go when there is a victim of SCA. In addition, many AEDs check for connected pads in a routine self-test. If pads are not plugged into the device, the AED will fail the self-test and it will not be rescue ready.

 

Some older AEDs do not have pre-connected pads, requiring the responder to connect the pads during a cardiac emergency.  If you have an older device if you have questions about your AED leave us a comment, give us a call at 855-873-8503, or email us at customerservice@aedbrands.com

 

5 great AED fundraising ideas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approximately 7,037 children, in the United States, died from of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in 2017 (American Heart Association, 2018). If your school, church, or rec sports are not yet equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) due to financial reasons, here are some ideas to get you on your way to purchasing an AED!

 

 

1. Search your community for various organizations, foundations, and individuals who may be able to help –

Foundations, such as Fire House Subs Public Safety Foundation, make it their mission to impact the lifesaving capabilities to communities. Their grants are not only for fire departments, but they also extend out to law enforcement, EMS, public safety organizations, non-profits, and schools! Find more information by visiting their website.

 

2. Set up a Go Fund Me account –

You’ll begin by starting your campaign on the Go Fund Me website. After you share your campaign with family and friends you’ll be able to start managing donations. By collaborating with other team members you be more successful and rally support much easier.

 

3. Have a Bake Sale –

This idea is as easy as pie. Literally! Round up some volunteers to help bake all sorts of goodies like cakes, cookies, pies, muffins, etc. Once you set a date, place, and time you will need to spread the word about the bake sale and the cause you are fundraising for.

 

4. Host a walkathon –

After you assemble a team for your fundraising event, set a date, place, and time. Reach out to local businesses in order to secure sponsorships for your walkathon. Be sure that you file the required event paperwork. Create registration and donation forms. Charge an admission fee and sell merchandise for your participants

 

5. Car Wash –

All you need for a successful car wash is a warm day, volunteers, soap, water, sponges, and signs! Be sure that you check your local environmental laws about drainage. Plan ahead by bringing a donation bucket, clothesline for drying towels, and other service items (wax, window cleaner, tire cleaner, etc). Be prepared to feed and provide drinks for your hard workers!

 

 

There are many other ways to fundraise for an AED, but we hope that these ideas have given you encouragement to begin your own AED fundraiser! Remember that the only way to stop Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is to be equipped with an AED. We encourage you to do more research on AEDs and SCA before you begin fundraising so that you can spread awareness while raising money. If you still have questions about SCA leave us a comment, give us a call at 800-580-1375, or email us at customerservice@aedbrands.com

 

 

Newman, Mary. “AHA Releases Latest Statistics on Sudden Cardiac Arrest.” The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation – You Can Save a Life Anywhere, 1 Feb. 2018, www.sca-aware.org/sca-news/aha-releases-latest-statistics-on-sudden-cardiac-arrest.

Why an ECG/EKG should be important to you!

Have you ever heard of the term, ECG or EKG? It is short for Electrocardiogram. What a mouthful! Electrocardiograms record the electrical signals in your heart, and they are commonly performed in doctor’s offices and hospitals. It is a noninvasive and painless test that detects the electrical activity with sensors, or electrodes.

 

 

An EKG is important for two reasons:

1) It measures the electrical intervals which can determine how long the electrical wave takes to pass through the heart. This indicates if the electrical activity is normal or slow, fast or irregular.

2) It measures the amount of electrical activity passing through the heart muscle. This indicates if parts of the heart are too large or overworked.

 

Knowing more about your heart can prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and the use of an AED. However, you’d rather have an AED and not need it, than need it and not have it. If you still have questions about Electrocardiograms, and whether you need one or not, speak with your doctor. If you still have questions about SCA leave us a comment, give us a call at 800-580-1375, or email us at customerservice@aedbrands.com

 

 

 

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg

 

8 Shocking facts about SCA and Young Athletes

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to ANYONE at ANYTIME. Approximately 350,000 people a year die from this. That’s almost 1,000 per day! The sad part is that it’s 100% treatable with the help of an AED and quality CPR. Even children and teens are affected by Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the following statistics may be pretty shocking…

 

 

 

• 1 student athlete dies every 3 days from SCA 1
• SCA is the number one cause of death of student athletes 2
• 9,500 youth are affected annually by SCA 2
• SCA is the second highest medical cause of death amount youth under age 25 2
• Young athletes are more than twice as likely to experience SCA than non-athletes 1
• 67% of young athletes who die suddenly are basketball and football players 1
• 90% of young athletes who fall victim of SCA are male 1
• The average age when SCA occurs in young athletes is 17.5 years 1

 

 

Let’s work together to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest! Keep your athletes safe by making sure their school and coaches are equipped with AEDs, in case of an emergency. You may also want to ask your doctor if a heart screening is necessary. If you still have questions about SCA and how it might affect your young athlete, you can always leave us a comment, give us a call at 800-580-1375, or email us at customerservice@aedbrands.com

 

 

1 http://www.your-heart-health.com/content/close-the-gap/en-US/heart-disease-facts/young-athletes.html

2 https://parentheartwatch.org/resources/what-is-sca/

What you need to know about your AED’s “End of Life”

When you hear the term “end of life” it can be a bit daunting. Let us make it simple for you!

 

 

What does End of Life mean?

End of life refers to an AED model being discontinued by the manufacturer. This simply means that they will no longer provide support for that particular device.

 

 

How do I know if my AED is at End of Life?

If you are unsure if your AED is at the End of Life, give us a call! We will let you know more information about your AED and how to keep your AED program up-to-date.

 

 

Do I need to buy a new AED?

When your AED is at end of life you don’t necessarily need a brand new AED right away. However, you do need to be aware that your model has been discontinued. Shortly after a device is discontinued the accessories, including pads and batteries, will no longer be available for purchase. As long as all of your components are functioning properly and passing the maintenance checks there is no need to worry! However, if upkeep is no longer available for your AED you will need to look into purchasing a new one.

 

 

What is the risk of not following end of warranty?  

If your AED is past its warranty there is a possibility that it will not perform correctly during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency. Your AED will alert you if there are any maintenance issues during a routine self-check. Failure to take action when given a warning could result in a fatality.

 

 

If you still have questions about the end of life for your AED, you can always leave us a comment, give us a call at 800-580-1375, or email us at customerservice@aedbrands.com

What is the difference between ALS & BLS?

 

There are two types of life support: advanced and basic.

 

Providing basic life support (BLS) is the first basic steps in stabilizing a patient. The main goal of BLS is to help the patient during an emergency until EMS arrives for further assessment. BLS is performed without drugs and only includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). BLS is intended for lay responders and includes topics such as:

 

• Performing CPR
• Using an AED
• Performing the Heimlich Maneuver

 

When advanced life support (ALS) is provided it involves medical knowledge and highly professional techniques. ALS is performed by initiating IV access, reading and deciphering electrocardiograms, and administering emergency drugs. ALS is intended for EMS and hospitals only and includes topics such as:

 

• Effective airway control
• ALS pharmacology terms and their meaning
• Respiratory issues and cardiac arrest management
• Acute coronary syndromes and stroke management
• Serving as a leader and team member in a resuscitation team

 

Most people will use basic life support because it takes years of training to perform advanced life support. Learn how to save someone’s life in an emergency, by signing up for a class through our website!

Keep Your Kids Safe on the 4th of July With These 5 Safety Must Do’s

The 4^th of July is a time of fun for family and friends. But we all know that fun can turn into tragedy if we don’t keep our kids safe. Here are some basic safety tips that can help you enjoy a safe day.

 

1. Sparklers – Kids love sparklers! But lots of kids are injured every year because they get burned. If you’re going to let your kids hold sparklers, supervise them at all times and keep a bucket of water on hand to extinguish the sparkler. Also, it’s best to go over some rules and stick to them:

• Hold the sparkler at arm’s length and do not run with it
• Wear long sleeves
• Don’t touch the sparkler hot end
• Don’t put the sparkler near anyone’s face, including their own
• Put the sparkler in the bucket of water immediately when instructed

 

2. Fireworks – Fireworks should be set off by adults only, in an open field, away from homes, trees and people. Since fire can occur in an instant, a hose and fire extinguisher should be kept on hand.

 

3. Grill Safety – do not leave your grill unattended. Keep all children away from the grill – especially watch those toddlers who want to grab and Keep your grill at least 10’ away from your house and other combustible materials. Don’t grill in the garage or under any overhang that could ignite. Clean and inspect your grill prior to use for leaky hoses.

 

4. First Aid Kit –Make sure your home first aid kit is fully stocked. If you are traveling, make sure you have a travel first aid kit with you. It’s important to have the proper first aid basics on hand at all times, and especially during the 4^th of July when accidents are more frequent.

 

5. Water Safety Rules – The 4^th of July can be a fun time for swimming and boating. Whether it’s your backyard pool, public pool, private pool, or lake, make sure safe water practices are followed. Young children should be supervised at all times and life jackets worn when required. The “Buddy System” should be used when older children are swimming or attending festivities without parents.

 

Stay safe and have a Happy 4^th of July!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Your Heart Secretly Hiding A Potential Killer Called LQTS?

 

Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is not always fatal, but it certainly can be. That’s why LQTS is also called “Sudden Death Syndrome” and that’s why you need to be aware of its signs and symptoms to make sure it does not get misdiagnosed as a harmless fainting spell. LQTS is a disorder of the heart’s electrical function. It can cause sudden and dangerous heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart beat or rhythm) and can result in immediate death. Every three days a young athlete collapses and dies in the United States due to an undetected heart problem. It is estimated that 3,000 to 4,000 children and young adults die each year due to LQTS.  How do you get this hidden heart disorder? The most common reasons for LQTS are:

 

• Some people are born with LQTS and will have it their entire life. The deadly arrhythmia can be triggered by

1. Emotional stress
2. Exercise (swimming/running)
3. Extreme emotions
4. Slow heart rate while sleeping

 

• Some people develop or acquire LQTS during their lifetime.

1. Over 50 medicines have been found to cause LQTS
2. Severe eating disorders, vomiting and diarrhea may cause LQTS

 

What are the signs of LQTS?

People with this condition may not have symptoms or may have sporadic symptoms such as rapid heart rate or sensitivity to caffeine. Sometimes the symptoms become dangerous, such as fainting and seizures. But still, the condition can go undiagnosed. Some people will have symptoms when they are born. About 50% of people that inherit the disease will have some symptom by the time they reach 12-years old.

If you or a family member experience any abnormal heart symptoms, or know of a history of LQTS in your family, you should call your doctor for a check-up.

 

 

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