BLS CPR & First Aid Classes

In an unconscious person, the absence of breathing and a pulse is indication for using an AED immediately. When the electrode pads of an AED are applied, the device begins its analysis. If ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia is recognized, the device will advise that a shock is needed. It will then charge to the set energy range (usually 150 joules in adults) and prompt the rescuer to press the flashing shock button.  Defibrillation is a way to reset the heart much like rebooting your computer. During a cardiac arrest, every minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces the victims chance of survival by about 10%. Recent studies have shown that if an AED is available to a victim of SCA within three to five minutes, it could increase the chance of survival by 40% or more.

AED’s are now available to the public and are now appearing anywhere from shopping malls and fitness centers to sports arenas and cruise ships. The cost for an AED is around $800.00 to $3500.00 per unit, depending on what model and how many you buy, a relatively small price to pay when compared to life, especially when we live at a time where the cost of TV sets can be twice that.

Some people are even purchasing AED's for their homes because they want to be prepared. This may or may not be appropriate for you. What is appropriate for everyone is training. You don't have to be an ACLS PALS provider or know ACLS Algorithms CPR/AED First Aid class can give you valuable life saving information as well as basic life support certification. Everyone agrees that if an emergency happened to a loved one they would want to know what to do. Knowing what to do an how to do it can make the difference between life and death.