Automated External Defibrillators - AEDs

IMG_1901.jpg Automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, are a critically important tool during cardiac resuscitation. Learn where you can find an AED and how they save lives with your help!

Take the CPR/AED Quiz: (Click on the plus sign for the answers to each question)

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack are the same thing. True or False?

False – Heart attack refers to a lack of blood flow to the heart, commonly caused by plaque. A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops. A heart attack may lead to a cardiac arrest, but there are other causes.

Cardiac arrest means the heart has stopped. When this happens the patient won’t be breathing. True or False?

False – Agonal or gasping breaths are common after someone’s heart stops beating. If you wait until the breathing stops, brain death has already begun.

AEDs are medical devices that should only be used by trained responders. True or False?

False – AEDs are intended to be used by the general public and significantly increase the chance of survival from cardiac arrest.

Proper chest compressions may break cartilage or ribs. True or False?

True – Chest compressions should be 2-2.4” deep in an adult. Sometimes this causes separation of the sternum or ribs and feels like bones are breaking. This is normal and compressions should be continued. Bones can heal once you save their life.

The Good Samaritan Law protects me if I hurt someone in cardiac arrest. True or False?

True – If it is not your job to do CPR, but you use it to save someone’s life, you are protected by this law.

 

Find an AED Near You Using PulsePoint AED

During a sudden cardiac arrest, finding an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can help save a life. But that takes knowing where AEDs are located. Use this interactive map that displays the community AED registry to learn where publicly accessible AEDs are located near you. The PulsePoint AED app and 911 dispatchers can direct you to the closest one.

Register an AED

Help keep the AED registry current, register a new AED using the interactive map below. Just type in the business name or address and follow the prompts. Detailed, accurate information about your AED allows 911 dispatchers to direct callers to the closest AED.