Unfortunately I don't have any statistics to share with you. However, without going into much detail I have been fortunate enough to be involved in several success stories where an AED was utilized.
Since, a great deal of our response area is rural, the volunteer firefighter/EMT's (as well as full time firefighters/EMTs) usually arrive on the scene prior to our paramedic unit. These personnel are AED trained and are able to apply the AED in a TIMELY fashion, thereby contributing to a successful patient outcome.
Upon our arrival (Medic Unit), we initiate IV lines, interpret the EKG, administer the appropriate cardiac drugs, and intubate (place a tube through the vocal cords into the trachea) the patient so that we have a patent airway through which we administer oxygen. If the patient responds positively to all of these efforts we then transport the patient to the hospital for definitive care.
Years ago when our daughter was about 10 years old, I brought an AED "trainer" home and handed it to her and asked her to operate it. She opened up the AED "trainer" and followed the simple instructions and simulated a shock as instructed in a quick efficient manner.
In summation, if the chain of survival is unbroken and all links are performed in a timely manner the pinnacle of success is possible. Like Dr. Bob said, "Response time.......is critical".
Since, a great deal of our response area is rural, the volunteer firefighter/EMT's (as well as full time firefighters/EMTs) usually arrive on the scene prior to our paramedic unit. These personnel are AED trained and are able to apply the AED in a TIMELY fashion, thereby contributing to a successful patient outcome.
Upon our arrival (Medic Unit), we initiate IV lines, interpret the EKG, administer the appropriate cardiac drugs, and intubate (place a tube through the vocal cords into the trachea) the patient so that we have a patent airway through which we administer oxygen. If the patient responds positively to all of these efforts we then transport the patient to the hospital for definitive care.
Years ago when our daughter was about 10 years old, I brought an AED "trainer" home and handed it to her and asked her to operate it. She opened up the AED "trainer" and followed the simple instructions and simulated a shock as instructed in a quick efficient manner.
In summation, if the chain of survival is unbroken and all links are performed in a timely manner the pinnacle of success is possible. Like Dr. Bob said, "Response time.......is critical".