Acadian Ambulance recently donated two Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to the Ward Six Fire District in DeQuincy.
Carl Gautreaux, Southwest Louisiana Operations Supervisor for Acadian Ambulance, presented the AEDs at the district’s Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, July 8.
An AED is a portable medical device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. During a cardiac arrest, AEDs analyze the heart’s rhythm, delivering an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
According to the American Red Cross, survival chances decrease by 10% for every minute that immediate CPR and use of an AED is delayed.
Cardiac arrests often occur due to environmental triggers, such as oxygen deprivation or drug overdose, making them vital tools for first responders. More than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, according to the CDC.
If encountering someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, it’s important to call 911 immediately to be connected with Acadian Ambulance dispatchers — before beginning CPR or using an AED.
To use an AED:
Turn the device on and follow the prompts.
Open the person’s shirt and wipe their skin dry.
Attach the AED pads to the person and plug in the connector.
Push the “analyze” button and allow the AED to analyze the person’s heart rhythm.
If the AED recommends delivering a shock to the person, make sure that no one is touching the person — and tell everyone to “stand clear.”
Once clear, press the “shock” button. Begin CPR after delivering the shock.
If no shock is advised, begin CPR right away.
Perform two minutes of CPR and continue to follow the AED’s prompts. If there are obvious signs of life, discontinue CPR and monitor breathing for any changes in condition.
Acadian’s National EMS Academy offers EMT training at its campuses across Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee. For more information on upcoming classes, visit www.BecomeAMedic.com.
