Cactus Village Community

Life Saving Device ...by Councilman Dave Seibert, Dist 1

Jul 09, 2003

A new device being utilized by the City of Phoenix is the AED. An Automated / Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, allows a rescuer to deliver an electric shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. This shock, called defibrillation, may halt the rapid and chaotic heart activity of sudden cardiac arrest, and help the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm of its own. ?“AEDs in the chain of survival are better than CPR at saving lives. Councilman Siebert was instrumental in leading the charge to provide these devices in the City of Phoenix and for generations to come, many lives will be saved thanks to his efforts?”. ?– Bob Khan, Assistant Fire Chief.

About the size of a laptop computer, an AED typically consist of a main unit that provides controls and instructions, and detachable electrodes that the rescuer puts on the victim's body. The latest AEDs are remarkably simple to use. They automatically detect what treatment is appropriate for the victim, and give rescuers instructions for administering treatment through a computerized voice.

AEDs are used in hospitals and by Emergency Medical Services personnel and first responders like policemen and firefighters, but their simplicity and reliability also allows use with minimal training.

Because sudden cardiac arrest is most effectively treated within the first few seconds or minutes of a sudden collapse, AEDs have the potential to save thousands of lives that could be lost if treatment is delayed until ambulances travel to the scene of a cardiac arrest. The first three AEDs for use outside the Fire Department were purchased from the District 1 budget, and now, AEDs are deployed throughout the city.

Since the installation of these devices, the lives of seven people have been saved. These units can be found in the airport and city facilities as well as with fire and police units. If you would like to see an AED, there will be a unit on display at the grand opening of Paseo Highlands Park. . .☺