WHEN a person is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the next two to three minutes are crucial. Not only does the heart stop beating, but the blood ceases flowing to the brain and other vital organs in the body.
The condition, sometimes caused by cardiovascular disease as well as other factors, can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.
A common reaction among individuals who witness a SCA is to call emergency responders, which is correct. However, waiting for paramedics to arrive may take longer than expected, which may be too late for the patient.
This is why having an automated external defibrillator (AED) on hand can potentially save a life. An AED is a battery-operated device that delivers an electric shock to a person’s heart to restore a normal, rhythmic heartbeat if required.
Recently, the government announced for public facilities to increase safety precautions by installing AEDs.
Unfortunately, many people do not know where and how to access an AED, nor do they know how to use it on a person who is experiencing SCA. Not only does this reflect the low level of emergency preparedness and minimal knowledge of SCA, it also means the chances of survival for SCA victims are regrettably low.
Stryker, a medical technology company, has launched the “Do More Than Wait” campaign, aiming to increase the awareness of creating a safer work environment by encouraging businesses to be equipped with AEDs on site. Through this campaign, Stryker seeks to have employers train their staff to be emergency ready rather than only wait for the arrival of emergency services.
Many people fail to understand that SCA victims require instant treatment of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR, and defibrillation within three minutes after collapse for the best chance of survival. The availability of AEDs at the workplace in first aid kits placed in highly visible and accessible areas increases the possibility for coworkers to provide emergency care in this crucial time frame.
Among the AEDs under Stryker’s brand is the HeartSine samaritan 500P which is lightweight, portable and easy to use. The compact device comes with easy-to-understand visuals, voice prompts and integrated real-time feedback to help guide the rescuer through the entire resuscitation process, including defibrillation and CPR – two key links in the chain of survival. Also included are the one- and two-button interfaces, enabling a simple and straightforward operation.
The device provides a technology that can measure the force and rate of CPR that is being applied through the defibrillator electrodes, without the need for accelerometers. This further helps the rescuer perform more effective CPR on the SCA victim.
HeartSine AEDs are intuitive and require minimal maintenance, guaranteeing easy use. Weighing at just 1.1kg, the HeartSine samaritan 500P is small and has a rugged construction with an IP56 rating that offers a high level of protection against harmful dust and water.
With over 60% of deaths from cardiovascular diseases caused by out-of hospital sudden cardiac death, it is crucial for businesses to be SCA-ready and to not just have trained personnel but the necessary equipment as well.(3)
For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3u44UA2 or email aedasia@stryker.com.
References:
1. Yasin et al., The Prevalence of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Out-of Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Melaka State, Malaysia. 2021.
2. Ong et al., Outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests across 7 countries in Asia: The Pan Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (PAROS). 2015.
3. Adabag et al., Sudden cardiac death: epidemiology and risk factors. 2010.
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