The 19th JDC continues to explore ways to improve our community. Just last week, the 19th JDC installed AED devices on each floor of the courthouse. The devices are easily located in the lobby area of each floor on the western most column.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device that can help people who are experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). AEDs are designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver an electric shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
The AEDs the 19th JDC has installed are provided by Avive, a small company with a mission to “increase the survival rate for SCA by proactively empowering people with reliable life-saving tools.” The company’s goal is to transform the SCA rescue scenario from an intimidating call to action into an accessible feat that real people can accomplish without hesitation.
According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute live. The chance of survival while waiting for emergency medical services during a cardiac emergency decreases by 10% every minute without CPR.
For those who are unfamiliar, AEDs are equipped with adhesive electrode pads that are applied to the chest of a person experiencing SCA. The device provides clear voice prompts and visual instructions to guide users through the process of using the device effectively. A few tips on the use of an AED are as follows:
Check unresponsiveness
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number (if applicable) and retrieve the AED
Open the airway and check for breathing
Check for a pulse
Remove all clothing covering the chest
Wipe the chest dry if necessary
Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest
Place the other pad on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the left armpit
Analyze the heart rhythm
Press the "shock" button, if advised