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Making Every Second Count

NCJ Number
168245
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 24 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1997) Pages: 84,86,88
Author(s)
T Ellis
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Police officers equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED) can more quickly respond to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Abstract
When SCA strikes, it is usually caused by an electrical malfunction of the heart called ventricular fibrillation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation just buys time until a defibrillator is brought to the scene. An AED developed by Heartstream in Seattle, Washington, weighs about 4 pounds and is the size of a hardcover book. It has two buttons, one to turn the unit on and another to shock the patient. When the pads are placed on the patient and the machine is turned on, it automatically runs a standard electrocardiogram protocol which evaluates the need to administer a shock. The unit gives comprehensive voice instructions and screen prompts on all models. The part of the process requiring the most physical dexterity involves placing the pads on the patient's chest. Using the AED, the police officer can normally reach a 911 call before a fire department emergency unit, shock an SCA patient, possibly restore heart function. 2 photographs