Article Topic April, 2003 Automated External Defibrillators

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the number #1 killer in the United States annually. Approximately 450,000 people die each year from SCA. More people die from SCA than from murder, suicide, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and automobile accidents combined annually. The national survival rate from SCA with out defibrillation is only a dismal 5%.

Some of these deaths could have been avoided, but because the victim was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was out side of the immediate response from EMS professionals they did not survive. The slowed EMS response can be from excessive traffic, rural areas, being on the water or the EMS is on another call, but every minute counts. The victim loses a 10% chance of survival every minute there down from sudden cardiac arrest and after 10 minutes without defibrillation the chance of survival is virtually 0%.

Early response to sudden cardiac arrest within 1-3 minutes with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and CPR can increase the survival rate as high as 70-90%. The Power Heart AED is easy to operate with just one button and it will not allow for human error. The device is 100% safe and defibrillation is the key to survival. Don’t be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your life and or your loved ones lives may depend on it.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Risk Factors include but are not limited to:

1. Family history of Cardiovascular disease
2. Diabetes
3. High Blood Pressure
4. Being on Cardiac Medication
5. Over 40 years Old
6. Obesity
7. Prior health issues i.e... heart attacks, angina
8. Smoking
9. Drinking in excess
10.Stress

You can view an online demonstration of AEDs from Cardiac Science. For more information on the product and pricing information, please call Marine Medical Systems at 800-272-3008.

Return to Marine Medical Systems Home Page