Just about anyone who has a television knows what a defibrillator is. We’ve seen them used many times on medical drama shows to deliver a shock to the heart, reestablishing the heart’s rhythm. For a real victim of cardiac arrest, a defibrillator is a very important piece of equipment, one that has saved countless lives. The downside to traditional defibrillators is that only trained medical professionals can use them in a hospital setting. They are too large and cumbersome to take into ambulances or to use in the home. A person having heart problems like a heart attack or cardiac arrest may not have time to get to the hospital or to call emergency technicians. Portable defibrillators help deliver defibrillation outside of the hospital.
Portable defibrillators are now being used by ordinary people to save lives before medical responders can reach the scene. Many people who suffer from heart problems are buying portable defibrillators and are learning how to use them in case of emergencies. Some schools and businesses are purchasing them so they can treat patients while waiting for help to arrive. They are smaller than the defibrillators used in hospitals and can be carried anywhere. While training is available through first aid or CPR classes, most portable defibrillators verbally tell the user what to do. They can also diagnose the patient’s condition to determine if defibrillation is necessary or not. These features make them easy to use by anyone, increasing a victim’s chances of survival.
Cardiac arrest can happen as a result of many health problems: Electrocution, heart disease, heart attack, choking or drowning are just some of the causes. Stories of children suffering from cardiac arrest during school sport events are beginning to surface more and more. Medical epidemics like obesity and diabetes lead to heart disease. With all of these health issues, chances are good that someone you know may go into cardiac arrest and will need defibrillation. Having a portable defibrillator could make the difference between life and death for your loved one.
When a person goes into cardiac arrest, he only has 4 to 6 minutes before irreversible damage or death occurs. Medical attention is necessary as soon as possible to give the victim a better chance at survival. Approximately 95 percent of people suffering from cardiac arrest die before arriving at the hospital. When defibrillation is provided within 5 to 7 minutes, survival rates can be as much as 30-45 percent. Having a portable defibrillator allows the victim to receive attention before this critical time limit passes. While it’s still crucial to call for medical help, using a portable defibrillator buys time for the victim until help arrives and further medical treatment can be determined.