…..difference between the life and death of a colleague. In a medical emergency, the AED MUST be readily available.
Check to see if the pads are in date and are with the AED. Is the battery still charged?
CHECK TO SEE IF YOU HAVE AN AED. WHERE IT IS LOCATED AND IS IT EASILY ACCESSIBLE? ENSURE THERE IS A PLAN IN PLACE, SO EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE THE NEAREST AED IS LOCATED!
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – We are now seeing them becoming more commonplace (in Malls, McDonalds, sports clubs, churches and some petrol stations to name a few) as people at long last realise the difference they make in saving lives.
Unfortunately, many forward thinking establishments have purchased the machines, which is incredible. However, the majority are only available during the working hours. Some establishments for security reasons lock the machines away, making them inaccessible when needed. Trying to find the machine, find a key to gain access or worse still the battery has not been checked in years despite the AED saying that the battery was nearing the end of its life and nobody heard the shout. Meanwhile, in Acquisitions, poor old Jeff has collapsed, the only thing between his demise and seeing his family again is the machine purchased a couple of years ago.
That fantastic initiative has turned into a potential disaster. Please, please if you have an AED get to know it, love it and look after it cos one day it may well pay you back and save a life!
If you have not got an AED, this still applies. It is easy to check out where the nearest one is located (both at home and work) by downloading a FREE app named (click on link to website) AED Locations. It provides information about where registered defibrillators can be found in New Zealand. If you have a machine and it is not registered, add your machine to the growing list and above all do not ignore it BE PROUD of your AED and what it can do.
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Currently, there are temporary changes to the steps to be followed in resuscitation. These can be found in the video below or by clicking here to see the New Zealand Resuscitation Council temporary guideline recommendation.
Click the link to go to the New Zealand Resuscitation Council Covid-19 recommended modifications for delivering resuscitation whilst the pandemic remains a threat. Click play to see a short video outlining CPR modifications that should be followed during the pandemic.
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Acknowledgement
Data and information are fact-checked against various recognised sources, including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Health Navigator New Zealand, St John, and other recognised entities specialising in the specific subject content. It should be noted that variances in protocols exist and where necessary are identified.