The AED Superstore Weblog

Chest compressions without rescue breathing may be as effective as "traditional" CPR--new method known as "CC-CPR"

     The December issue of Circulation reports on the conclusions of two studies which show CPR done without rescue breathing may be as effective as the compression/ventilation combination we're taught to do now. The new method is called "CC-CPR." "CC" stands for "chest compressions."

     The studies were conducted in Sweden and Japan. An article about the findings was posted by U.S. News and World Report. It is not a part of the current American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR protocols.

     The amount of data coming out about this has us convinced that CC-CPR will be considered as part of a future Guidelines update.

LYFETYMER Audible Compression Metronome now available at the AED Superstore

     The AED Superstore has the new LYFETYMER ACM (Audio Compression Metronome) in stock now!

     This small battery-operated electronic device helps rescuers follow the American Heart Association Guidelines for adult CPR while performing CPR on a patient. What's unique about this CPR aid is that the user can select lay-rescuer or professional rescuer protocols. Properly performed CPR is a vital link in the patient's chain of survival and this wonderful tool will help rescuers get it right.

     Available now at the AED Superstore for $24.95.

New CPR promises better results by compressing abdomen, not chest

     A biomedical engineer at Purdue University has developed an alternative CPR compression technique that is nothing like we've seen before. It's a new method of performing chest compressions on a patient that appears effective and is the second alternative we've seen that downplays the step of rescue breathing.

     Although this news item was released back in September of this year, it appears in print in this month's issue of JEMS.

ZOLL announces new and improved "CPR-D" electrode pads

     ZOLL's unique single-piece electrode pads keep getting better and better! Known as their CPR-D padz, they were the first one-piece AED electrode system and came with an unprecedented 4-year shelf life and supported the ZOLL AED Plus' CPR feedback feature.

     Earlier this year ZOLL announced an extended shelf-life of 5-years for their CPR-D padz.

     Today, they proudly announce other key improvements like:

     Lower Profile CPR Sensor
     The new low profile shape of the CPR sensor lends itself to better contour to the victim's chest resulting in a more even distribution of force and pressure.

     And...

     Added Convenience
     The low profile CPR sensor takes up less space and reduces bulk; therefore storage beneath the lid is now more convenient. 

     Added Comfort
     We've added extra foam layers and embedded the CPR sensor in the foam for optimal comfort to the rescuer's hand while performing CPR. 

     Added Safety
     The cable on the CPR-D padz is now 43 inches (1.1 meter) long.  The extra 6 inches leaves more room for maneuverability and greater distance between victim and AED.

     Added Ruggedness - A new protective handgrip is now located on the connector; it serves as both a protective layer for the wires and provides a convenient easy grip for the user to connect and disconnect the pad from the AED.

     The AED Superstore ships all ZOLL AED Plus and select AED PRO devices complete with these new and improved CPR-D padz!

Philips announces deadline for G2005 AED updates

     In late November 2005 the American Heart Association announced changes to the "rules" of CPR. The new way to perform CPR became known as "Guidelines 2005." The new guidelines should have prompted all AED owners to upgrade their machines to conform to the new guidelines.

     Since the new ruling went into effect 2 years ago, Philips has announced a deadline for upgrade availability for their Heartstart line of automated external defibrillators. Owners of these devices have until December 31, 2007 to place their upgrade order with Philips Medical Systems.

     To get more information on the upgrade process, or to get yours now, click here to visit AEDUpgrades.com...a service of the AED Superstore!

Preventing cardiac arrest in kids

     We discussed the rarity "myth" of pediatric cardiac arrest in a recent post, but now we learn that there's perhaps a preventative measure. Simply screening kids for heart problems before they engage in athletic activities might be all it takes.

     Parents and school officials will want to read this article.

Meet Dr. Bernard Lown...inventor of the defibrillator

     Ask any doctor or paramedic who has been around awhile about what it was like to use an early model defibrillator and you'll hear about how big and heavy they used to be. AEDs weren't even on the radar back then.

     The very first external defibrillator was developed by Dr. Bernard Lown in the 1960's after reading a paper written by Dr. Paul Zoll. (The ZOLL name should be familiar to our readers by now!) It weighed over 60 lbs and was anything but portable. But it was the first major step in changing the way sudden cardiac arrest and other heart arrhythmias were treated and the technology applies today to AEDs.

     The portable defibrillators you'll find at the AED Superstore weigh less than 60 lbs...we promise!

Should kids be taught CPR at a young age?

Yes!

American Academy of Pediatrics says heart problems in kids have been underestimated

     For years the common knowledge about pediatric cardiac arrest centered around the following facts: it's usually brought on by respiratory arrest, and, it's rare.

     The American Academy of Pediatrics believes the problem is not as uncommon as we first thought. You'll find the article here. It could change perception of pediatric cardiac arrest as we know it.

Fake CPR cards racket busted

     We just never knew there was such an "industry!"