Should You Buy a Home Defibrillator?

It's a fact: over 1000 people each day are forced to the emergency rooms across the country due to erratic heartbeat. This arrhythmia is the primary cause of thousands of premature death each month. The chaotic heart beat can create cardiac arrest that can starve the brain and vital organs of oxygen with catastrophic consequences. Indeed, victims with perfectly good cholesterol and blood pressure can suffer a sudden arrhythmia with no prior warnings.

Recently, this problem has prompted some public health officials to make automated external defibrillators (AED) available in areas where there is a potential stress related event such as train stations, busy office buildings, cruise ships, shopping malls and airports. Indeed, defibrillators are now standard equipment in all hospitals as well as ambulances. These devices monitor the heart and apply the proper electric jolt to help re-establish a more regular heartbeat.

The fact that people with or without heart conditions can suffer a sudden onset of cardiac arrhythmia, has promoted the development of over-the-counter home Defibrillator for private homes and offices. However, before such a purchase is made, there are some considerations that need to be taken into account. The world famous Mayo Clinic has come out with the following suggestions.

• Start with CPR until the defibrillator can be applied.

• The device can be used on children over eight years old.

• Even if you have one at hand, make sure to call 911 to get help on the

way.

• Have instruction on how to use the machine. Most AEDs come with an

excellent tutorial as well as step-by-step audio instructions once

activated.

• Place the device in an easily accessible location. Make sure all members

of the household or office take a few minutes to learn how to use it.

Sometimes seconds can make the difference.

Are you're a candidate for a home defibrillator?

Before deciding to purchase an AED for home use, consider the

following:

• Are you at risk for a sudden cardiac event? Consult with your doctor

about your risks. If you are a high risk person, your doctor would

probably recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

rather than an AED. It´s important to understand that AEDs work with

certain specific types of heart fibrillation. They may not work for

certain other types of cardiac arrest.

• If you live alone, having an AED may be of little use.

• You or your family members must have the physical ability to use the

device

• Health insurance doesn't generally pay for AEDs.

If you or someone you know has a heart condition, it makes sense to first

consult with a physician to see if an AED is applicable for the

situation. If it is, then buying an AED is probably a good precaution to

take.