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.
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!
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.
We just never knew there was such an "industry!"
Every AED has a water and dust ingress rating which classifies the level of protection that electrical appliances (like AEDs) provide against the intrusion of solid objects or dust, accidental contact, and water. The rating has NOTHING to do with how well a particular device can withstand a drop or shock. It is expressed as an "IP Code" which you'll usually see in an AED's sales brochure. The code is expressed as IPXX with "X" being the rating numbers.
The IP Code stands for "International Protection Rating" or "Ingress Protection Rating.
The first numerical digit indicates the level of protection against solid particles such as dust or other matter.
Number Effective Against
0 No protection against contact and ingress of objects
1 Any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part
2 Fingers or similar objects
3 Tools, thick wires, etc.
4 Most wires, screws, etc.
5 Dust protected--Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; complete protection against contact
6 Dust tight--No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact
The second numerical digit indicates the level of protection from harmful ingress of water.
Number Effective Against
0 Not protected
1 Dripping water
2 Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
3 Spraying water
4 Splashing water
5 Water jets
6 Powerful water jets
7 Immersion up to 1 meter
8 Immersion beyond 1 meter
The higher each of the numbers in an AED's IP rating, the more protected it is.
Use this scale as a tool as you shop for AEDs. You won't need to buy an AED with a high rating if it's going to be deployed in an office or school setting. Buy an AED with a higher IP rating if it's to be deployed in a harsh environment with dust and moisture present.
A year ago one of our AED Superstore Customer Care representatives, a fan of the "big screen," came to work with her review of the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale after watching it at a local theater. We thought a "thumbs up" review was coming until she described the defibrillator scene from the movie.
Verdict: the improper electrode pad placement and the allusion that someone can "self-defibrillate" was just plain bad!
Watch it for yourself...
Yesterday we posted news about a new CPR manikin available at the AED Superstore called CasPeR the CPR dog.
Now we find that a technique exists to perform CPR on birds. We're not sure of the accreditation, but it does make sense.
Perhaps a manikin for Avian CPR and rescue breathing is around the corner?
Are you looking for an AED but don't know which one to get? Let the AED Superstore's AED Adviser help you. Click on the link and rate the features found on various AEDs by their importance to you. The site will then show you the AEDs that best match your feature ratings.
It's easy to use, it's free and anonymous! The results show immediately in your web browser.
Once you've narrowed down your selection, call the AED Superstore at 800-544-0048 and a friendly and knowledgeable representative will help you with your purchase. Be sure to ask about any rebates or package deals on devices that you're interested in. Or order online 24 hours a day 7 days a week at www.aedsuperstore.com. It's gauranteed safe and secure.
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