The History of Defibrillation

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are often considered as self-explanatory as fire extinguishers.  All AHA training in CPR now includes training on the use of AEDs because they are beginniing to show up in more and more public spaces, buildings, and businesses.  Known as "public access AEDs" and intended for use by whoever can get there to help first much like a fire extinguisher, they are placed visibly and made publicly available in malls, schools, government buildings, and other large spaces in addition to the more expected locations within hospitals and medical clinics.  Today's AEDs are easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and available to anyone nearby.  When one considers the potential for lives saved, their impact cannot be overstated.  Let's take a look at how rapidly AEDs have gone from a theory, to a chance successful use, to widespread public availability.  

In 1947, Dr. Claude S. Beck successfully used defibrillation therapy and saved the first human life, a child 14 years whom was undergoing cardiac surgery for a heart defect.

In the 1930s Claude Beck perfected operations to improve heart circulation. When he performed cardiac surgery, the heart sometimes went into ventricular fibrillation. (Heart muscles fibrillated, or twitched and contracted rapidly, disrupting the normal rhythmic heartbeat.) Beck could massage the heart, but this did not always stop the fibrillation and the patient would die on the operating table. Desperate for a remedy, he learned that a colleague at Western Reserve, the physiologist Carl J. Wiggers, had maintained circulation in laboratory animals by manual massage of the heart, followed by electrical defibrillation at a suitable time. Beck concluded that using electric shock to counteract fibrillation and restore normal heart rhythm would work for humans, too. In 1947 he successfully revived a patient for the first time. Subsequently, patients were resuscitated outside the operating room as well; and finally, massage and defibrillation across the intact chest have made cardiac resuscitation available at any place or time. Defibrillators have since been used daily in hospital emergency rooms and EMS units across the country. 

source: http://artsci.case.edu/dittrick/online-exhibits/explore-the-artifacts/claude-beck-defibrillation-and-cpr/ 

Gone are the days that a medical doctor or other professional has to determine the rhythm of the victim's heart or carefully calculate the amount of electricity to be administered (measured in joules) to correct it.  All of that knowledge is being used behind the scenes as the device determines whether or not a shock is indicated.  Not all unhealthy heart rhythms are benefited by a shock and, as the AED operator, one doesn't even need to know or understand any of that...all that is expected is simply to follow the directions given, combining the use of the AED with high-quality CPR.  Directions are simple to follow and are given audibly and, on some devices, appear on a screen similar to a text message as well.  

More important than a perfect response to the heart-related emergency is a willingness to act...and act quickly!  For every minute that the heart goes without a shock when one is needed, the chances of survival decline rapidly...approximately 10% per minute.  In very general terms, a shock that is delayed by five minutes gives the victim approximately a 50% chance of survival.  

Since most sudden cardiac arrest occurs when it's least expected, why not consider equipping your business or home with device with the potential to save a life?  AEDs are more affordable than ever.  High quality AEDs from reputable manufacturers can be purchased for less than $1500 and those with greater functionality or special features such as increased durability or waterproof units run a little more.  For comparison purposes that we Okies can relate to...an AED can be purchased for about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a storm shelter and, statistically speaking, is more likely to save the life of a customer, co-worker, friend, or family member.  If you're ready to see how easy to use and affordable AEDs are today, we can help with that!

#defibrillation #aed #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis
Heartland CPR, llc
405-603-6666
www.HeartlandCPR.com