Basic AED Maintenance Tips and Tricks

AED’s are sophisticated devices and are easy to use but they do require some minimal inspection to verify they are working properly.  Having an AED present on-site is not enough to help save lives; you need to ensure that proper care and maintenance is being practiced most to preserve its high usability. Remember that AEDS are manmade apparatuses therefore glitches can happen anytime. To prevent these minute problems that can later turn big, why don’t you read these tips and tricks below and easily learn how to care for your Automatic External Defibrillator's.

1.       Daily inspection is needed – let’s start from the simplest maintenance tip which is the daily inspection of your unit. Remember that your AED should have a flashing black hourglass that indicates the “use” readiness of the device. Some manufacturers may use different symbols so please refer to your user manual and check which indicator signal its readiness for use. Should the device is not ready for use, immediately contact a trained personnel or manufacturer to help resolve the problem.

2.      Weekly inspection of the unit – you should also carry out a weekly inspection (preferably during weekends) to ensure that the device is working great. On weekly inspections, make sure that all stuffs related to AED like pads, PC cards, kits gloves are always in place and ready for use. Cleaning is also necessary to make AED units always fresh and free from harmful bacteria. Do not put any chemicals into the device without consulting the user manual. Disposable supplies should also be properly discarded to prevent transfer of microorganisms.

3.      Monthly check ups – to prevent AED failure, always do monthly check ups to the unit. Make sure that all supplies are within the date of use and those that are expired should be replaced immediately. AED pads should be replaced when worn out or as prescribe by the manufacturer. Should you have non working aed batteries, call the manufacturer and ask for immediate replacement. Remember that BIT or Battery Insertion Test should always be practiced before putting back the device.

4.       Yearly inspections – once a year self test is a must to ensure that your AED unit is free from technical issues or damages. Calling the manufacturer and asking for a self test will easily do the trick. Batteries should also be checked for its shelf life, remember that not all batteries are made to last forever. Cables and physical structure of the device should also be inspected to ensure that there’s no loose wiring, physical dents, cracks present on the device.

Automatic External Defibrillators can really help save lives and this is a fact not fiction. The life saving capabilities of an AED is more than enough to protect and keep them well maintained all the time. Remember that AEDs are so important should an SCA happen so don’t jeopardize the health and lives of the others, don’t overlook the device but rather keep them well maintained all the time.  

Some Facts about Cardiac Arrhythmias

What are Cardiac Arrhythmias?

Cardiac arrhythmias, also commonly called arrhythmias, are irregularities of the heart beat. For the most part, the normal, constant rhythm of the heartbeat that ensures essential blood flow throughout the body goes unnoticed.

But for some people, problems arise as the electrical impulses that synchronize the heart beat don’t function properly, causing the heart to beat out of rhythm - too quickly, too slowly or with an irregular pattern.

Arrhythmias are fairly common. Most people have had at least one experience where it feels as if the heart has skipped a beat, or has given an unexpected flutter. For many, the experience is usually not cause for concern. However, while many arrhythmias are harmless, some can be extremely dangerous and require medical treatment.

Help for Cardiac Arrhythmias:

If you have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia, treatment may or may not be necessary, depending on the cause, the severity and type of arrhythmia. For some people, arrhythmias are easily managed with a few lifestyle modifications and are little cause for concern. However, if your doctor suspects that the arrhythmia may cause serious symptoms, or that it may result in complications, medical treatment will be necessary.

By eating a heart-healthy diet, following a regular exercise plan, and reducing the intake of alcohol and caffeine, the occurrence of arrhythmias can be greatly reduced and prevented. If you do smoke, consider quitting smoking naturally, as tobacco is a known trigger of a number of health concerns related to the heart.

In addition, there are many natural herbal and homeopathic remedies available that can be successfully used as part of a holistic treatment program for optimal heart health

For more details on Heart Conditions, AED, AED Equipment, AED Pads, AED Battery, AED Cabinets, AED Defibrillators, AED Usage, visit - http://www.aedlifepower.com

Importance’s of Automated External Defibrillators in Schools

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) is known to be saving life around the world. AED is used on a person who has suffered a sudden cardiac attack (SCA). Sudden cardiac attack occurs when the blood circulation of the heart is abrupt causing heart to stop due to no blood supply. To re-start the heart AEDs required. As report suggest that one in five hundred children may suffer from cardiac myopathies a medical condition where heart muscle is unusually thick therefore abrupting supply of blood to the heart. This often undetected condition can lead to a cardiac arrest. There can be host of undetected cardiac problems existing within any sizeable school population that can cause sudden cardiac attack. Many elders are also present in the schools including teachers, principle, office staff, parent’s volunteers, reading specialists and many more. There lives can be protected through placement of an AED.

Several states have passed legislation that requires schools to have an AED under their roofs. This legislation was implemented to ensure the safety and health of the students currently attending schools. There is educational value in placing AEDs in schools. Primary level teachers can make their pupils aware of what they are and how they are used by keeping the information very general. Children should be completely aware on how to work the defibrillator in case of emergency, if a school nurse is not around. The faculty members should be also trained to work the defibrillator. AED located directly within the school will allow your child to have a much better survival rate since he or she will not have to wait for a paramedics to arrive.

Famous brand like Philips, Defibtech, HeartSine and Zoll has introduced such powerful life saving AED products that help your loved ones to live a stress free life.