According to two recent studies published Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, suggests that placement of defibrillators is just as important as having them readily available.
Defibrillators save lives, there is no arguing that fact! They can be used to resuscitate victims of cardiac arrest successfully and it is estimated that they could save tens of thousands of American Lives each year if they were readily available. But what happens when they are available but not easily accessible?
Researchers found 83% of the US high schools surveyed with AED programs (1710) had some sort of plan in place for emergency response for sudden cardiac arrest, but only 40% actually practiced and review their plans at least once a year. Last year there were 36 cases of cardiac arrest at the same 1710 high schools. Studies found that over those 36 cases, 83% received an AED shock. Schools actually fare better than other defibrillator installations.
There is a growing need for CPR training and Smart AED Deployment in urban environments. Finding the best possible locations for defibrillator placement is just as important as having defibrillators deployed.
Rumors have been circulating that Michael Jackson had a AED in his rental home, but his personal doctor, Dr Conrad Murray denied all such rumors saying if there was on there it would have been used. The availablity of an Automated External Defibrillator could have saved Michael’s life and it’s hard to understand why anyone with money would not want to have one handy! Michael loved himself very much and it could very well have saved his life. 