The automated external cardiac defibrillator: Lifesaving device for medical emergencies

Background. More than 350,000 adult Americans die each year of sudden cardi ac arrest, or SCA. The event is unpredictable and can occur in patients wit h no history of cardiac disease or cardiac symptoms. Drugs and cardiopulmon ary resuscitation, or CPR, save only a small percentage of victims. The nec essary response is rapid application of electrical shock, and the chances o f success are reduced 10 percent for every minute of delay. Types of Studies Reviewed. The author reviewed the literature on resuscitat ion of people who have undergone SCA, and examined the emerging technology of automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, for correcting cardiac ventr icular fibrillation. Included is a review of the controversies surrounding AED waveforms and energy levels. Results. Automated cardiac defibrillators are becoming readily available be cause of improved technology and decreasing prices. AEDs are now commonly f ound in commercial aircraft, gambling casinos, sports arenas and public bui ldings, and will soon become as readily available as fire extinguishers. Th e use of AEDs is being taught in standard CPR courses. Clinical Implications. AEDs are being installed in more public locations, i ncluding some dental offices. As costs decrease and availability increases, there is significant potential use for AEDs in managing SCAs in dental off ices.