You never know how much you need an AED, until you need one. Four years ago, a family in Texas was dinning out at a local hotel restaurant when suddenly a 70-year-old man fell back in his chair, lifeless.  An employee quickly grabbed the hotel’s AED. “None of us knew how to use it, but we opened it, and the device spoke to us with clear directions. Seconds later, it issued a life-saving shock to Dad’s heart.” An AED machine (Automated External Defibrillator) is an essential component in first aid, but somehow there remains either a knowledge gap or misconception keeping many businesses from including it in their facilities.  

Most of us have seen these AED units at schools, airports, hospitals, medical clinics, and government buildings. We have read the stories on social media of a kid being saved on the football field with an AED, or a nurse using an AED at the local Walmart, or a 70-year-old dad at a local hotel restaurant, but why are they not everywhere? Why is it important to add an AED to your office or facility?  

According to the National Heart Association, from the time you call 911, the response time for emergency services to reach a victim is no less than 8 minutes.  Brain death can occur within 4–6 minutes after a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) event.  SCA kills every 1.7 minutes, even among active people without known or pre-existing heart conditions.  Statistics state that using an AED greatly increases likelihood for survival, and illustrates the need for quick accessibility.  Public access programs and legislation have made AEDs more available in some public areas, and when you add all that up, it makes a great case for providing AEDs in the workplace.  Still, most private businesses are without them.

HOW AN AED WORKS  

AEDs are relatively simple to use.  They are portable, and because they fully automate with voice commands, user error is nearly eliminated.  AEDs check the heart rhythm in the victim and will administer an electric shock only if necessary.  The Philips HeartStart AED, distributed by Lofton Medical Services, will not only monitor the heart rhythm, but will let the user know if an electric shock is NOT needed and instructs the user in the proper administration of CPR, even if that person is not trained in the technique.  AEDs perform self-checks and are nearly maintenance-free. “The AED is amazing. It talks to you. It tries to make it easy, so you don't have to be a nurse. Anyone can do it!” says police volunteer Maisie Bauer.

PHILIPS HEARTSTART DISTRIBUTOR  

Lofton Medical Services has partnered with both Philips and the American Heart Association to provide quality AEDs as well as CPR training, which is an integral part to any company’s emergency response plan. The Philips AEDs have an automated feature that will talk you through every step of the process.  

PHILIPS HEARTSTART ONSITE: Created for use by the ordinary person in an extraordinary moment, this model is designed to be the easiest to use and most reliable defibrillator available to the general public. Perfect addition to any small business, office complex, health club, or retail center.  

PHILIPS HEARTSTART FRX: Designed to be easy to use, rugged and reliable, this model is ideal for use in outdoor settings (sports fields, construction sites, oil & gas plants, etc.) or environments that are too demanding for many other defibrillators.

HOW CAN LOFTON MEDICAL HELP?

If you have questions regarding medical training, personnel or need an AED installed at your facility, contact Lofton Medical Services at 337-269-0500 or info@loftonmedical.com. Together, we can help saves lives!

About Lofton: Founded in 1979, Lofton Services offers clients the best of all worlds. We provide the responsive, personal service and flexibility of a small local firm while having the technology, resources, and infrastructure to deliver the benefits of the biggest players in our industry. Lofton Staffing can deliver the right people, with the right skills, right when you need them. Contact us today.