Why buy an AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED)?

Each year sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes approximately a quarter million people in the U.S. alone. Fewer than 5% of those victims survive, largely because it is not possible for emergency medical services to reach them in time. Timely defibrillation is a highly effective treatment for SCA, improving the chances of survival to 40% or more.

When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, the electrical system of the heart short-circuits, most often causing an abnormal rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation. Lacking proper blood flow, the person loses consciousness, stops breathing, and will die unless promptly treated. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can help a person in cardiac arrest, but it alone cannot save lives. A “shock” from a defibrillator is needed to restore the heart’s normal pumping rhythm. A victim’s best chance of surviving SCA is to receive that shock within 5 minutes of collapse.

Each year 250,000 deaths are attributed to sudden cardiac arrest. By helping community’s, schools, businesses create an early defibrillation program an estimated 40,000 additional lives could be saved.

The American Red Cross has established relationships with three Automated External Defibrillator (AED) manufacturers: Philips Medical Systems, Medtronic, Inc. and Zoll Medical Corporation. We can demonstrate each type of AED unit and help facilitate the sale of the unit that best fits your needs. When a company purchases an AED they make a commitment to maintain the unit so it is always ready to help save a life.

AED SALES FACILITATION AND MAINTENANCE:
When you purchase an AED from the manufacturing company through the American Red Cross you not only take advantage of the American Red Cross's purchasing power, you also get assistance in your AED maintenance program. The American Red Cross will:

• send reminder cards to check your AED unit's accessories.
  
• keep you informed about specials the manufacturing company may be offering.
  
• inform you of any changes in protocol
  
• send out training re-certification notices, so your employee's certification will not lapse.

For more information, contact Steve Jennings at (512) 929-1239 or sjennings@centex.redcross.org.