17:37 JST, August 12, 2024
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are now increasingly seen at train stations, airports and other locations, but many people probably don’t know how to use them. It is hoped that their use will be encouraged to create a society where as many lives as possible can be saved.
An AED is a medical device used to treat cardiac arrhythmias by delivering electric shocks to the chest.
When a person collapses after a sudden cardiac arrest, the chances of saving the person’s life increase if someone who happens to be nearby quickly performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). There are also many cases where the use of AEDs has helped save lives.
Previously, only doctors were allowed to use AEDs. However, the ban on the public was lifted in 2004 because it is believed that using an AED in the early stages, before an ambulance arrives, improves survival rates. There are currently an estimated 690,000 AEDs installed nationwide.
Nevertheless, it can hardly be said that the use of AEDs is widespread among the general population.
While 29,000 people were hospitalized with cardiac arrest in 2022, only 4% of them involved normal people using AEDs. This appears to be due to people’s reluctance to be involved in a life-threatening situation, as well as fear of using an unfamiliar device.
However, AEDs are really easy to use. When turned on, the device tells the user what actions need to be taken.
It is important to train people in advance about what type of devices AEDs are so that they can actually use them.
In recent years, education about AEDs and CPR techniques has been included in the middle and high school curriculum, and training on the use of AEDs has been held in schools.
In one case, a teacher collapsed during a club activity. Middle school students, who had recently received training at their school, responded quickly, deployed an AED, and saved him.
Exposing people to defibrillators at a young age will help more people to use them safely in emergencies. It is hoped that training will be expanded to schools.
Some companies have also trained their employees in the use of AEDs and given them the opportunity to teach others inside and outside their company.
Sudden cardiac arrest does not only occur in people with chronic heart disease. Caution is also advised in healthy people who do strenuous physical exercise.
It is crucial for organizers of sporting and other events to establish in advance the procedure for calling 119, using an AED, and other steps to avoid panic in the event of a medical emergency.
Although the number of AEDs installed nationwide has increased, most of them are located indoors. To make AEDs available at night and on holidays, consider placing more units outdoors and in stores that are open 24 hours a day.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, August 12, 2024)
