Before I retired, the library in the town I worked in purchased 2 AEDs. The town purchased many to put into all their public buildings. I was trained on the AED with other co-workers through the EMT department in the town. Many things happen in a public library that the general public is not aware of. Never had to use it but having it available was a good move on the part of the town.
I live alone so getting one doesn't make sense and not sure I would be inclined to buy one if I didn't live alone.
I can understand the hesitancy either way. It’s one of those high expense ideas that probably goes unused, but in the event one is needed, and another person is able to use it, an AED becomes priceless… especially as the time from 911 call to help arriving can certainly be longer than “8-12 minutes.” Hearing of these elite athletes reliably having access to defibrillation in less than a few minutes seems to almost make that a given for the rest of us non-elites, when the opposite is more often the case for the other 365k.
Would love to hear some of those library stories. Anytime you work with the public you see the whole spectrum of life and its characters!
this is of my favorite posts. I actually listened to the podcast, and your patient is so courageous, gracious, and humble. The medical student is great, and the cardiologist actually a famous college football player for Notre Dame, too! Must have been so frightening for all involved, but with an amazing outcome. So much respect for the whole group.
Also appreciate the chain of survival, and the personification of the daunting idea of really considering an AED for home use. It really is hard to argue with the outcomes when used early… and I estimate it would take at least 20-30 minutes for first responders to get to my home. Will keep chewing on this…
Hey Grace, thanks for reading and considering. I can't really say that I think this is a good idea, but if the situation comes up when an AED is needed, and people know how to do it (not hard, just extremely stressful), it obviously can save lives. Thanks so much for listening to that podcast, and I agree that Karen is a wonderful person, and gracious to share her story with the wider world.
The last two times I called 911 about sketchy situations, unfortunately no one came. I think Philly only responds to the worst calls... fortunately these were not medically related. Its been a rough three years in Philly, but life is improving despite what they show on the evening news. (hopefully!)
Hi Cassandra - good point... I think the schools must, but now that you mention it I'm going to scope it out more, too. We have at least one in our office of course, have never used it despite occasionally needing 911/EMT assistance for patients in distress.
Hi Gemma - never thought of that, good point. If only to promote more awareness and CPR training I think it's a good idea... and learning how to use an AED is not that hard. Thats one of the reasons I linked to the Red Cross because they do seem to offer a comprehensive approach, not just a link to purchase.
Before I retired, the library in the town I worked in purchased 2 AEDs. The town purchased many to put into all their public buildings. I was trained on the AED with other co-workers through the EMT department in the town. Many things happen in a public library that the general public is not aware of. Never had to use it but having it available was a good move on the part of the town.
I live alone so getting one doesn't make sense and not sure I would be inclined to buy one if I didn't live alone.
Hi Janet :)
I can understand the hesitancy either way. It’s one of those high expense ideas that probably goes unused, but in the event one is needed, and another person is able to use it, an AED becomes priceless… especially as the time from 911 call to help arriving can certainly be longer than “8-12 minutes.” Hearing of these elite athletes reliably having access to defibrillation in less than a few minutes seems to almost make that a given for the rest of us non-elites, when the opposite is more often the case for the other 365k.
Would love to hear some of those library stories. Anytime you work with the public you see the whole spectrum of life and its characters!
You can also check out recertified AED if budget is tight. Also don't forget FSA or HSA...This is informational only, not a recommendation.
https://www.aedusa.com/knowledge/spend-your-extra-fsa-money-before-its-gone-on-an-aed/
Good points, will check this link, too. thanks!
this is of my favorite posts. I actually listened to the podcast, and your patient is so courageous, gracious, and humble. The medical student is great, and the cardiologist actually a famous college football player for Notre Dame, too! Must have been so frightening for all involved, but with an amazing outcome. So much respect for the whole group.
Also appreciate the chain of survival, and the personification of the daunting idea of really considering an AED for home use. It really is hard to argue with the outcomes when used early… and I estimate it would take at least 20-30 minutes for first responders to get to my home. Will keep chewing on this…
Hey Grace, thanks for reading and considering. I can't really say that I think this is a good idea, but if the situation comes up when an AED is needed, and people know how to do it (not hard, just extremely stressful), it obviously can save lives. Thanks so much for listening to that podcast, and I agree that Karen is a wonderful person, and gracious to share her story with the wider world.
I never considered an AED for home. In light of EMS response time and survival rates you posted, an AED looks like a good investment.
The last two times I called 911 about sketchy situations, unfortunately no one came. I think Philly only responds to the worst calls... fortunately these were not medically related. Its been a rough three years in Philly, but life is improving despite what they show on the evening news. (hopefully!)
Thanks for sharing this information! So important and now I’m wondering about whether or not we have AEDs around my kids’ sports locations.
Hi Cassandra - good point... I think the schools must, but now that you mention it I'm going to scope it out more, too. We have at least one in our office of course, have never used it despite occasionally needing 911/EMT assistance for patients in distress.
Just a thought - if anyone does get a home AED it might be worth letting your neighbors know so that more people are potentially covered.
Hi Gemma - never thought of that, good point. If only to promote more awareness and CPR training I think it's a good idea... and learning how to use an AED is not that hard. Thats one of the reasons I linked to the Red Cross because they do seem to offer a comprehensive approach, not just a link to purchase.