Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/774279
44 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2017 USICERINKS.COM I t's been a hot-button topic for recreation facilities for a number of years: Should you or should you not have an automated external defibrillator (AED) in your building? We're here to try help you make the decision—and provide the necessary resources to inform you all on AED. First of all, what is an AED? I think it's safe to assume that almost everyone has seen the Grey's Anatomy or ER type of medical dramas that have doctors and nurses working feverishly to save someone's life. Though most times these shows have the main character grabbing the paddles, rubbing them together and then yelling "Clear" right before the actor jumps violently off the table, this is not an AED. An AED, by definition, is an automated device that reads the heart's electrical pulses and determines whether or not it should deliver an electrical shock, called defibrillation. The majority of AEDs on the market utilize two sticky-sided pads that are placed above and below the heart on either side. The AED then analyzes the heart's rhythm and advises whether or not a shock should be administered. It's important to remember that CPR and rescue breathing are typically utilized immediately before an AED is used and CPR alone oftentimes cannot return the heart to a normal rhythm. How do I get one? The best resource I've found is on the American Heart Association's website, heart.org. They list plenty of companies, and most have local branches. It's been my experience that a local representative will come to your facility and determine the type of AED, mounting hardware and signage that would be appropriate for your location. How am I going to train staff if I get one? Both the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association are national organizations that have local chapters in your area that provide community- based training for CPR and AEDs. Most swimming pools will have instructors on their staff that certify their lifeguard personnel. Hospitals, fire departments, and emergency medical services (EMS) are also a good source and will have instructors as well, but may not offer a Clear! Or not? The debate on AEDs AN AED, BY DEFINITION, IS AN AUTOMATED DEVICE THAT READS THE HEART'S ELECTRICAL PULSES AND DETERMINES WHETHER OR NOT IT SHOULD DELIVER AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK, CALLED DEFIBRILLATION. RINK ISSUES AEDs PHOTOS: ARCHIVES by JOHN MONTELEONE, CIRM, CPRP