Automated External Defibrillator

Automated External Defibrillators

Sometimes called an automatic external defibrillator or automatic electronic defibrillator, the AED or automated external defibrillator has one purpose, to save lives.

The chance of survival decreases by 10% every minute spent waiting for the paramedics. Immediate action and attention is mandatory.

Studies provide us with proof of the positive effects of an automated external defibrillator and a properly trained volunteer. A recent two year study showed that facilities with defibrillators doubled the survival rates over places that used CPR alone. Around 1,500 portable defibrillators were distributed to sports venues, shopping centers, office buildings, and schools in over 24 cities.

If you've heard the stories, such as the referee in Gainesville, Florida or the student basketball player in Houston, Texas, you know quick action and external defibrillators are saving lives.

Overview of Defibrillators

Defibrillators are medical devices used to "restart" the heart. More precisely, a defibrillator uses an electric shock to stop the heart in order for the heart to begin rhythmic beating once again. Traditionally, defibrillators were designed for use in medical facilities and hospitals, often pushed around on medical carts. They can be manually controlled devices or automated defibrillators. With technological revolutions came external defibrillators and home defibrillators (dubbed AED for automated external defibrillators).

The defibrillator is designed to stop ventricular fibrillation, a distortion of the heart's normal coordinated contraction.

A Short Legal History of the AED

In 1995, Steven Somes, a 39 year old died of cardiac arrest while aboard a United Airlines flight. In the Somes v. United Airlines case, United did not have an AED on the plane. The wrongful death case was settled before its' trial in the late 1990s, with undisclosed terms.

The Somes case prompted other such law suits. Although tragic, these cases pushed airlines to supply their planes with this life-saving technology. AEDs were soon a staple on every flight. The trend also furthered public awareness of the AED and its benefits. Portable defibrillators were becoming a public mainstay.

The Zoll AED Plus

The Zoll AED Plus is one such automated external defibrillator. The AED Plus has a variety of special features:

Visual Cues

Voice Prompts

Reliability and Durability

5 Year Manufacturer Warrantee

Built-In Foreign Languages

Built-In EKG Display

And More...

Zoll AED Plus Demonstration
RealPlayer