01 MarInstalling a Defibrillator Could Be a Life Changing Decision
When South Kingsville Preschool decided to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) they sought the expertise of one of their staff, Sue, a registered nurse. They knew she had firsthand knowledge regarding the benefits of having onsite AEDs to save precious treatment time. An AED can improve survival odds because they can be used before emergency medical service personnel arrive. In the event of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the only thing that will restart the heart is a shock from a defibrillator.
Sue was very thorough with her research to find a suitable device. South Kingsville Preschool offers quality kindergarten programs for 3-5-year-old children and have been operating as a not-for-profit service for over 40 years. As the preschool shares its site with the vibrant South Kingsville Community Centre, the AED needed to be accessed by all. She factored in its suitability for adults and children. Was it compact, lightweight, portable, safe, easy to use and affordable?
Sue found the Mediana A15 Adult/Child Defibrillator competitively priced at $2200 and felt it was a huge bonus that it included the Smart First Aid Kit for free.
How does a defibrillator work?
The defibrillator can be used simply with a flick of a switch and one set of pads and you can change the function setting from adult to child.
The defibrillator delivers a lifesaving electrical current to the heart during an abnormal rhythm or very rapid erratic beating of the heart. Electrodes are placed on the chest as a conduit for the delivery of the measured electrical shock to the heart to restore the heart back to natural rhythm. The AED analyses the heart rhythm and determines if a shock is required.
You cannot harm anyone by using a defibrillator, you can only help save their life.
Bonus first aid kit
The bonus Smart First Aid Kit includes a flip book with QR codes that take you straight to video instructions. The videos provide clear, measured and concise instructions on what to do for the particular medical situation you are faced with. The kits have individual PODS which are colour-coded to make it simple to find the right contents. Even the strap can be used as a sling or tourniquet. It’s designed by paramedics to cover all emergencies anywhere, anytime.
Having an AED close by made the difference between life and death for former ‘Wiggle’ – Greg Page
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment
Under Occupational Health and Safety legislation, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for their workers and WorkSafe Victoria is urging employers to consider installing a life-saving defibrillator in all workplaces.
According to WorkSafe Health and Safety Executive Director, Julie Nielson, “Very few people survive a cardiac arrest without swift assistance and the use of an AED might be the difference between life and death. Anyone can use an AED. You do not need specialised training, but you do need access to one to save a life.”
An estimated 19,000 AEDs are now installed in locations across Victoria, but many workplaces still do not have this life-saving device.
Ambulance Victoria attended 6434 cardiac arrests in 2017-18 and, of those, 82 patients were successfully defibrillated with a publicly available AED.
Placing AEDs in the workplace, along with providing proper management systems and training for employees on how to use the devices, could mean the difference between life and death.
