In the past few years there has been an increase in the number of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) placed in businesses and public buildings around the country. These devices are very easy to use and really do save lives.

When someone has a heart attack that results in cardiac arrest, the heart goes into a rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation about half the time. This chaotic electrical activity of the heart is unable to generate a pulse and a person in this condition will die very soon if this condition persists. Studies have demonstrated that a person in ventricular fibrillation's chances of survival decrease between 7 and 10 percent for every minute that goes by. Effective CPR will buy time, but what is really needed is defibrillation.

If no AED is available, a patient in ventricular fibrillation will have to wait until our responders arrive with their equipment. Unfortunately, this may be too late, particularly if no one has performed CPR. AEDs are very safe and easy to use.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has been a partner of the American Heart Association in their effort to increase the number of public access defibrillators in the community. The Public Access defibrillation subcommittee has made great strides in the past few years. AEDs are now located in many health clubs, restaurants, churches, shopping malls, office buildings and public buildings throughout the County. Some homeowner associations have purchased AEDs and equipped their security personnel with them. Hillsborough County's 9-1-1 Administration has a registry of AEDs that have been placed throughout the County. There are now more than 800. There have been many lives saved with AEDs in our area.

AEDs are needed anywhere people congregate. This is particularly true if there are increased risk factors for the people gathering together. People who are in a position to make a decision or recommendation about placing an AED in their organization, work-place, or facility should seek additional information. Patrons of places in which large numbers of people gather should make inquiries about AED availability.

The American Heart Association offers classes and informational symposiums on what is involved in placing public access AEDs, and assists in the placement process. AEDs are much less expensive and even easier to use today than they were just a few years ago.

For assistance in placing an AED in your business or organization, please contact the American Heart Association at (800) 275-0448.