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FAQs | Testimonials FAQs – Hotels & Leisure
There is a very good chance emergency medical services (EMS) cannot respond fast enough to save someone in cardiac arrest, particularly in congested urban areas, high-rise buildings, in remote rural areas, or large facilities. In fact, the national average response time is 10-12 minutes, so even the best EMS responders could have difficulty arriving in time. Besides traffic, consider the time needed to make it through building security, a crowded banquet room, or a busy casino, for example. Without early defibrillation, only 5 out of 100 SCA victims will survive. AEDs offer a practical way to save more lives because they are designed for use by nearly anyone. Widespread deployment of AEDs with first responders, such as security guards and safety teams, gives SCA victims the best chance of survival. In fact, a recent study outlined in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that when security guards at casinos were equipped with AEDs, SCA survival rates soared to 74%. [ back to top ] Who can operate an AED? Unlike manual defibrillators used in hospitals and by paramedics, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are easy to operate. The new generation of AEDs analyzes the victim's condition and, if warranted, delivers an electric shock to the heart to reverse SCA. Nearly anyone with proper training can use these devices. As AEDs are gaining rapid acceptance as the standard of care in responding to cardiac emergencies, businesses and public agencies may well run a risk of incurring liability for failing to implement this life-saving technology. [ back to top ] Are AEDs easy to use? Extremely. Automated external defibrillators are designed for use by virtually anyone with minimal training. Cardiac Science's Powerheart® AED is the only AED with patented, one-button operation and pre-connected, self-testing, interchangeable electrodes, making Powerheart the easiest AED to use. In addition, the Powerheart is the only AED that can provide continuous monitoring capabilities during and after cardiac arrest, thereby protecting the victim against the reoccurrence of a life-threatening arrhythmia following resuscitation. [ back to top ] What additional training is required? In many cases, a simple course including CPR and AED training is all that is required. For example, the American Heart Association® offers the Heartsaver™ AED course, which can be completed in less than four hours. Training requirements vary, so contact Cardiac Science for more information on your state's unique requirements. [ back to top ] What liability do we incur by deploying — or not deploying — AEDs in our facilities? As a result of their easy-to-use design, Cardiac Science's AEDs reduce the risk of operator misuse. Consequently, if the Powerheart AED is used in accordance with the directions in the manual, proper training, usage protocols and medical direction, the risk of liability from using it is minimal. The laws surrounding AED usage vary from state to state. All U.S. states but one have passed Good Samaritan laws with language about AEDs. Additionally, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act [ pdf 92.0KB ], which was passed by Congress and signed by President Clinton in 2000, provides AED users and acquirers with protection from liability. This and similar legislation underway is helping to make AEDs the standard of care for SCA, and as such, organizations are increasingly at greater liability for failing to have these life-saving devices on-site. Visit the National Center for Early Defibrillation for more information legal issues surrounding liability. 
Note: To view the above PDF document, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the free Reader from Adobe's web site.[ back to top ] What is the cost to purchase and maintain an AED? An AED from Cardiac Science costs about the same as a well-equipped laptop computer. With its warranty and five-year battery, the Powerheart AED offers a very low cost of ownership throughout the life of the AED. A Cardiac Science sales professional can provide more information about specific options and costs. [ back to top ] How do we implement an AED program? There are several factors to consider when implementing an AED program, such as the selection of an AED, lay-rescuer training, physician oversight, determining optimal placement and developing ongoing quality assurance programs. Cardiac Science can assist you with all facets of a comprehensive PAD program. [ back to top ] Where would we place our AEDs? The Powerheart AED's convenient delivery systems allow for mobile and stationary placement throughout a facility to support the 3-5 minute response time recommended by the AHA. Some key areas to place AEDs in your facility would be:
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