Defibrillators are life-saving machines that can be found in many public spaces, from shopping malls to airports. They’re used to treat heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest by providing a shock to the heart. However, defibrillators can only work if someone knows how to use them. So if you want to know what a defibrillator is, how it works and what to look for when you see and want to buy a defibrillator for sale, read on!
What Is It, and How Does It Work?
A defibrillator is a portable electronic device used to treat life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms and restore normal heart rhythm. It delivers an electrical shock that passes through your chest wall and into your heart muscle, causing rhythmic contractions that pump blood at an organised rate.
When someone goes into cardiac arrest, their breathing may be irregular or absent. They also have no pulse because their heart has stopped pumping blood around their body, which means they are unconscious and unable to respond in any way, and this is when you talk to them to a hospital and try CPR.
How Can You Get a Defibrillator and Use It?
You first need to know that anyone can use a defibrillator. It’s not just for medical professionals. The only requirement is that you must be willing and able to learn how to use it so that you can properly use these devices.
The pads, or the paddles, deliver the shock to the heart. They’re placed directly over the heart and must be applied to bare skin. They could create a short circuit if they touch anything else, like clothes or hair. So, suppose a short circuit occurs while placing them on your patient’s chest and administering CPR. In that case, there’s a chance of you being injured by electricity, so make sure everything is clear before applying them!
Once in place and connected to their corresponding jacks on the back of the unit (colour-coded), push down firmly on each pad until they stick firmly onto your patient’s chest. You shouldn’t need adhesive strips for this; it will take some pressure, but this should do it!
AED Training
You can learn to use an AED in as little as a few hours. You can take the training online, or you can take it in person at your local fire station or hospital. The former is more convenient for most people, but the latter is more rewarding for those who want to learn about AEDs from experienced professionals who have used them on actual patients.
And no matter your option, you’ll receive certification upon completing your training course. This makes it possible for anyone with access to an AED, even if they have no medical training to administer life-saving treatment during an emergency.
Buying the Right Defibrillator
When you’re looking for a defibrillator for sale, there are a few things you should look out for, and they are:
- Make sure the device is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The FDA is responsible for approving medical devices and drugs in the United States. So if your defibrillator isn’t FDA-approved, it may not be as safe or effective.
- Look at its warranty and maintenance costs. How long will this defibrillator last? To determine how long your defibrillator will last, consider its warranty and maintenance costs—you don’t want something that breaks down after just six months!
After reading this article, you should feel confident about buying a suitable defibrillator and using it to save lives.
