Saving a life is as easy as AED

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Units

In the past year, approximately 250,000 Americans died of sudden cardiac arrest: nearly one death every two minutes. Up to 100,000 of these deaths could have been prevented if someone had initiated the Cardiac Chain of Survival and an automated external defibrillator (AED) had been available for immediate use at the time of the emergency.

The American Red Cross has a vision of one person in every household being trained in First Aid and CPR lifesaving skills, and all Americans being within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

If you are interested in learning more about developing an AED program, purchasing an AED from or scheduling an appointment to see a demonstration of an AED, please contact the Health and Safety Services Department at (610) 865-4400, ext. 247 or e-mail GLVPT@usa.redcross.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AED?
How does an AED work?
What is the Cardiac Chain of Survival?
If an AED is so easy to use, why do I need training?
How can the American Red Cross help?
Can the Red Cross assist in the purchase of an AED?
Who do I contact for more information?

What is an AED?
An AED is a small, portable device that analyzes the heart's rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, directs the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to the heart of someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. This shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

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How does an AED work?
An AED uses voice prompts to instruct the rescuer. Once the machine is turned on, the rescuer will be prompted to apply two pads provided with the AED to the victim's chest. Once applied, the AED will begin to monitor the victim's heart rhythm. If a "shockable" rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct the rescuer to stand clear of the victim and to press the shock button.

If you are interested in seeing how an AED works, you can contact the Preparedness & Training department at (610) 865-4400, ext. 247 to set up an appointment for a demonstration. An online demonstration is also available at the following link: http://www.medical.philips.com/onsitedemo.

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What is the Cardiac Chain of Survival?
The Cardiac Chain of Survival is a series of four critical steps. All four steps of the chain must be present to help ensure survival from sudden cardiac arrest. The four steps are:

Step one: Early access to care (calling 911 or another emergency number)
Step two: Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Step three: Early defibrillation
Step four: Early advanced cardiac life support as needed

The third step, delivering an electrical shock to the heart, which is known as defibrillation, is recognized as the most critical step in restoring cardiac rhythm and resuscitating a victim of SCA.

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AED Training Class

If an AED is so easy to use, why do I need training?
Training is necessary in order to understand the role of defibrillation in the broader context of the Cardiac Chain of Survival. Training in CPR and AED skills will enable the rescuer to use all the steps in the Cardiac Chain of Survival, thereby significantly increasing the victim's chance of survival. Many states now have AED Good Samaritan provisions generally designed to help protect layperson rescuers in certain cases.

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How can the American Red Cross Help?
American Red Cross courses combine CPR training with instruction in automated external defibrillation; the two skills needed to save the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. Currently, AED training is an integral part of our Adult CPR/AED and Standard First Aid courses. In addition, general AED information is provided in CPR courses that do not teach AED skills. We invite you to learn more about the exciting technology and training that could save the life of a family member, a co-worker, a friend or even your own.

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Can the Red Cross assist in the purchase of an AED?
In return for the Red Cross's role in educating the public concerning the importance of AEDs for public health and safety, public access to defibrillation, and the safe and proper use of AEDs agreements have been established with AED manufacturers. These agreements, among other things, allow Red Cross chapters, in conjunction with Red Cross AED training, to facilitate the sale of AEDs between the AED manufacturer and AED purchasers.

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Who do I contact for more information?
Help can't and shouldn't wait. For information about AED training or how you can purchase an AED directly from an AED manufacturer, please contact the Preparedness & Training Department at (610) 865-4400, ext. 247 or e-mail GLVPT@usa.redcross.org.

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