Why do we need defibrillators?

inthesun


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 43

Message Posted:
18/03/2012 20:52

Last nights' football saw a particularly disturbing incident involving Boltons' Fabrice Muamba. As fit as he is, Fabrice suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, which simply means his hearts' electrical impulses suddenly became chaotic, and prevented it from pumping efficiently. In this situation, a normal heart rhythm needs to be restored as soon as possible, or death should be expected within a matter of minutes. In order to do this, the heart must be defibrillated, and this should be done asap. CPR will help to slow the casualtys' rate of deterioration, but defibrillation within the first few minutes of an SCA, has the highest chance of success. The most important element in the treatment of SCA is providing rapid defibrillation therapy. Thankfully, Fabrice probably received some of the best emergency care possible, with the club doctor and paramedics on site, and, according to reports, at least two shocks were delivered from their defibrillator.

inthesun


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 43

Message Posted:
18/03/2012 20:53

So who is at risk from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest? One common cause is a 'heart attack', and another is heart disease, however it is largely unpredictable, and many victims have no prior history or symptoms of heart disease. Other factors include respiratory arrest, electrocution, drowning, choking or trauma. Therefore, unfortunately, we are all at risk, and if we live more than 10 mins travel time away from the nearest ambulance station, our chances of surviving a SCA are pretty much non-existent, even if we receive CPR.

So, in order to increase our chances of survival, we need defibrillators at hand. My advice to anyone is, if you have the funds, buy one - or club together with your neighbours and buy one between you. Expect to pay £1000.

inthesun


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 43

Message Posted:
18/03/2012 20:55

What is a defibrillator? An automated external defibrillator (AED), is a small compact device that interprets heart rhythms and can deliver electrical shocks to treat a sudden cardiac arrest. The main difference between AEDs and the manually operated defibrillators often used by medical professionals is that AEDs are designed for use by people who may not have the extensive training required to use a manual defibrillator. They are simple to operate, you do not need to interpret heart rhythms, as the AED does that automatically. It will normally give clear voice instructions that guides the user through each step. They are safe to use, and will only administer a shock if the casualtys' heart is in a shockable rhythm. Remember, if applied early enough, somebody will be given the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.

At this stage it doesn't look promising, but all the best and good luck Fabrice.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
18/03/2012 23:31

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/72587.asp



Any news on how may we have here in North Cyprus and where they are based. Thanks.





Spider,X

Cyprus8


Joined: 07/10/2007
Posts: 189

Message Posted:
18/03/2012 23:32

Wow.....thank you for that 'inthesun'. Where have you been??? We have purchased 5 'public use defibrillators' for the Esentepe and Tatlisu area. We also have a training machine for anyone who is interested in 'trying it for themselves'. Our cabinets for housing them are being made 'as we speak'. Can't wait to get them in situ!!



Nurseawful is also in the middle of getting defibrillators organised for the West of Girne.



So sad to read the news of Fabrice Muamba..........we all pray he will fully recover following the best possible medical attention.



Please please all make note of where your nearest 'public access defibrillator' will be located. Hopefully some good will come of this poor young mans fate. Maybe you could ask yourselves "where is the closest public access defibrillator to my villa"?. If you are scared by how long it will take for you to reach it in an emergency, encourage your neighbours to all club together and buy one closer to you all!!!!!!!!!!