The idea of an automated external defibrillator (AED) seems dramatic. Many people think of these devices as dangerous medical items – they do generate an electric wave that would ultimately shock a patient. However, the truth is that AED works much safer than most people tend to think. At the same time, it is critical that you should understand the potential risks that come with the improper use of these devices and understand that some people have a Do Not Resuscitate order.

In fact, most sudden cardiac deaths occur outside the hospital. It is estimated that 5% or less of sudden cardiac death patients successfully resuscitated and discharged alive. In a study on public access defibrillation (PAD), the survival rate of the volunteer community trained in CPR and AED was twice that of the volunteer community trained only in CPR. ^[1]

In this article, we will consider the benefits of deploying an AED in the workplace and think about how effective these devices are. Also, we will take a look at the potential risks that may come with using these products and why it is essential to do thorough research before deciding on a specific AED to buy.

The primary purpose of an AED is to assist in the detection of heart arrhythmias. An arrhythmia relates to a dysfunction of the heart's normal rhythm. When an arrhythmia is identified with the use of an AED, a shock can be delivered to the heart. The goal of the shock is to assist in normalizing the function and rhythm of the patient's heart.

In addition to being a tool used in the treatment of heart arrhythmia, another critical purpose that an AED device serves is to help restore a heartbeat in cases where a patient had suffered a cardiac arrest. The shock delivered to a sudden cardiac arrest victim with the AED can save a life in many situations.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). And about 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur while victims are at work, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data. Thus, placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace can mean the difference between life and death. There is no national requirement that employers provide AEDs in the workplace; even so, all 50 states in the US have enacted laws or regulations for the devices. ^[2]

A common question that people ask is not only what the benefits of a defibrillator would be, but also how capable these devices truly are. In this case, the AEDs have been proven to provide an effective way of saving people’s lives.