In the time it takes you to read this page, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) will have claimed another victim. In the past year, 250,000 Americans died of sudden cardiac arrest: nearly one death every two minutes. Up to 50,000 of these deaths could have been prevented if someone had initiated the Cardiac Chain of Survival, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) had been available for immediate use at the time of the emergency. There are no warning signs for SCA and performing CPR alone will not help save a life should someone need defibrillation from an AED.

 

Cardiac Chain of Survival:

 

Defibrillation is the latest link in the chain of survival for sudden cardiac arrest, and it has been proven to save lives. The likelihood of survival decreases by 7 to 10% with every minute that passes without defibrillation. The immediate accessibility of defibrillation within a few minutes of cardiac arrest is responsible for changing the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest from 5% (national average) to 40% where AEDs are readily accessible. If it were your life, wouldn’t you want an AED in the building instead of a couple blocks away or on another emergency call?

 

American Red Cross courses combine CPR training with instruction in automated external defibrillation; the two skills needed to save the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. Currently, AED training is an integral part of our Adult CPR/AED and Standard First Aid courses. AED Essentials, a module that can be added to any Red Cross adult CPR course, is also available. In addition, general AED information is provided in CPR courses that do not teach AED skills. Please see a list of AED courses available.

 

The State of Iowa has set regulations on the use of AEDs. In order to be a part of the PAD, Public Access Defibrillation program, you must have properly trained staff in Adult CPR and you must annually re-train staff in AED. This allows staff to be certified and able to use the AED on staff members and the general public.

 

The value provided by an AED unit transcends its cost. AED units save lives. The costs have been significantly reduced since their arrival on the scene.

AED Units - An AED can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000 per unit, depending on the type of AED unit and the quantities purchased. The more units you purchase, the higher the price breaks. An exact quote is faxed for every request.

AED Training - Add an hour onto your current CPR training. Anyone that wants to learn AED must have a current American Red Cross Adult CPR certification. Training can be completed either with an Adult CPR class, or without, depending on current Adult CPR certification status. If you have a current Adult CPR certificate then you may take the AED Essentials training. Please refer to our courses page for exact time, pricing and requirements.

 

The FDA regulates the use of AEDs. Thus, you must get a physician to prescribe the AED for your business to use. This is as simple as getting the physician to verbally say “Yes, I prescribe the AED to XYZ Company.” The company will then need to get the physician’s name, address and phone number for the American Red Cross to place the order. (There are some AED units that do not require a prescription.)

 

Your local American Red Cross is a one-stop-shop for AED services. We will work with you in all areas: training your employees in lifesaving CPR, first aid and AED skills;

 

We invite you to learn more about the exciting technology and training that could save the life of a colleague, family member, or possibly your own.

Contact Sarika Bhakta at 319-393-3500 to get started today.