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IWCA OWNS THREE AED'S. IWCA'S SAFETY & SECURITY COMMITTEE HAS SCEDULED THIS DEMONSTRATION TO TO TEACH RESIDENTS HOW TO USE OUR AED'S. Why are AEDs important? AEDs make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Because AEDs are portable, they can be used by nonmedical people. They can be made part of emergency response programs that also include rapid use of 9-1-1 and prompt delivery of cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All three of these activities are vital to improving survival from cardiac arrest. How does an AED work? A built-in computer checks a victim’s heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes. The computer calculates whether defibrillation is needed. If it is, a recorded voice tells the rescuer to press the shock button on the AED. This shock momentarily stuns the heart and stops all activity. It gives the heart the chance to resume beating effectively. Instructions guide the user through the process. AEDs advise a shock only for ventricular fibrillation or another life-threatening condition called pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Who can use an AED? Non-medical personnel such as police, fire service personnel, flight attendants, security guards and other lay rescuers who have been properly trained can use AEDs. Are AEDs safe to use? AEDs are safe to use by anyone who’s been trained to operate them. Studies have shown that 90 percent of the time AEDs are able to detect a rhythm that should be defibrillated. And 95 percent of the time they are able to recommend NOT shocking when the computer shows defibrillation is not indicated.