Gumbo Medical, LLC is a nationwide supplier of refurbished medical equipment, including automated external defibrillators, more commonly known as AEDs. These devices can analyze a heart’s rhythm and administer electric shocks to help restart a stopped heart.
How Many AEDs Do We Need?
How many to purchase and where to place them depends on many factors. There is no one size fits all chart or policy. Every facility needs to perform its own risk assessment.
Many types of businesses and public gathering places should consider implementing an AED program.
- Police Cruisers
- Buses & Trains
- Shopping Malls
- Schools
- Gyms
- Public Pools
- Health Clubs
- Dental Offices
- Theme Parks
- Stadiums
- Casinos
- Offices
- Factories
- Warehouses
- Other High-Occupancy Locations
Are AEDs Required By Law?
U.S. medical device laws vary at all levels of the government. OSHA does not require AED implementation at a federal level, but strongly recommends many industries to have them on hand. Whether you are required to have an AED program depends on the type of facility and the state, county, and city in which you are located.
New laws are being passed all the time, so check with official sources when in doubt.
AEDs Save Lives
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), the sudden loss of heart function, has a much higher fatality rate than regular heart attacks due to the stoppage of blood flow to the brain. Without intervention, over 88% of SCA victims die instantly or shortly after symptoms appear.
So, even if not required, having one or more AEDs available for use in a cardiac emergency makes sense because they have been documented to save over 1700 lives every year.
3 Minute Response Time Is Key
Optimally, you should strive for a 3-minute or less response time from when the patient collapses to the arrival of a trained rescuer with the AED. Note that you don’t need to be a doctor or a nurse to use an AED. Non-medical personnel can and should be trained in their use.
Some Additional Factors To Consider
- Accessibility Of Devices. Don’t lock them away and hide the keys.
- Proximity To Phones. The ability to call 911 for rapid medical assistance is vital.
- Distance From Emergency Services. The longer it takes first responders to arrive and locate the patient, the lower the patient survival rate.
- Size Of Area. Large areas may require multiple devices to ensure the 3-minute rule.
- Incidence Rate. Historical data can help you analyze areas with a greater risk of SCA.
- Volume Of Visitors/Employees. More people = higher overall risk.
- Different Risk Levels. Some types of businesses like gyms and senior centers may have higher risk levels due to increased physical activity or the age of clientele.
Protection For Doing The Right Thing
Everyone wants to do the right thing, but businesses and individuals also want to protect themselves from lawsuits if an AED deployment is unsuccessful. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have some type of Good Samaritan Law on the books to help provide immunity to trained AED users and facilities.
Your legal counsel or safety and risk management team are encouraged to review your local Good Samaritan Act for more information as you prepare to implement your AED program.
Where To Purchase AEDs
Gumbo Medical, LLC sells lightly used AEDs and trainers to our customers nationwide. Our equipment is restored to like-new condition, saving you money while ensuring you receive the best quality products. For more information or to place an order, call or use our online contact form today.