Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in Public Places

Automated External Defibrillators are Becoming More Visible in Public Places

FDA Patient Safety News

You may be noticing devices located in health clubs, hotels and airports called Automated External Defibrillators or AED's. They may be wondering whether they should try to use them in an emergency, and if so, how.

These devices are designed to be as easy to use as possible. For example, they only advise the operator that a shock is needed when a patient is in ventricular fibrillation or fast ventricular tachycardia.

But still, they should only be used by people who've received some training. The American Heart Association recommends that people who live or work in a place that has one of these devices, participate in a Heartsaver AED course. The course explains the Chain of Survival and how important the Automated External Defibrillator is in that chain.

In the course, your patients will learn that the first step in an emergency is to call 911 and send someone to get the AED. Then they should administer CPR until the AED arrives and continue using the AED and CPR until emergency personnel get there. They'll also be cautioned that the Automated External Defibrillator should not be used on a child younger than 8 years old.

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers these courses through local Community Training Centers. If your patients are interested in learning more about public access defibrillators, refer them to our website, where there's a link to the AHA's website.

By the way, if you're interested in having one of these defibrillators installed in a public facility near you, you may be able to arrange that through the AHA. A physician must issue a prescription for a facility to purchase the device. You can get more information on this from the AHA's web site.