RICHLAND, Wash.- According to the National Institute of Health, an estimated 1,700 lives are saved each year by AED.
An AED is a defibrillator made to be easy and safe to use by the public.
According to the Richland Fire Department, these devices can come in several different shapes and colors. However, most establishments will keep the AED in a box that clearly labels the device.
In the event of an emergency RFD says you should always call 911 before doing anything. After calling 911 the dispatchers will be able to help you identify if the person needs immediate help. If the dispatchers indicate they need immediate help you can begin compressions or CPR. Once you start CPR ask someone to find an AED.
Once you find an AED press the start button and the device will verbally and visually walk you through the steps.
RPD says that the AED is very smart and will first act as a heart monitor to make sure the person needs to be shocked. If the person does not need to be shocked a metronome will start to help keep track of compressions.
“We teach people that public access to AEDs are the reason people are still here today,” Said Andy Sabin, Medical Program Officer for Richland Police Department.
