fisherdvm
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We had discussion before about the cost of AED's. I finally bought two to back up my manual defibrillator. What I've learned might be very helpful for dive opts considering to buy them.
In November 2005, AHA recommended changes to their AED and ACLS protocol, with focus on continous CPR, and less on pulse check and repeated defibrillation. The AED's on the market is a mix of the old and the new.
The current guideline is, irregardless of how you were taught to use the AED, if you were to pick up and use an AED on a patient, you follow the instruction the AED prompted to you. So if it is a pre 2005 protocol, you shock, check rhythm, check pulse if needed, or shock, shock, shock, then CPR.
The post 2005 protocol (on AED's shipped in mid 2006 and after), it is shock, CPR, check rhytm, then check, pulse. No pausing between the shock and the CPR. The pulse check comes last.
Cost - the refurbished and pre 2005 AHA AED's are frequently monophasic (less effective in the first shock), and run about $500 to $700 with a one year non-manufacturer warrantee from the used equipment dealers. Many are on the market for about $300-400 with old batteries that need to be replaced. These would be fine for the minimalist, but it utilizes the old pre 2005 protocols. Again, if you have these, don't turn them off between shocks to apply the new ACLS standards, just follow the old protocol, so you don't delay the treatment as these AED's have to go through a preshock system check that takes time. Use it based on the instruction it dictates.
The AED's with new protocols runs from $700-1000 refurbished with new batteries (lasting 2 to 5 years in the machine), and battery shelf life is up to 10 years. They are usually biphasic, and the shock wave is more effective than monophasic at converting a rhythm on the first shock. They are from $1200 and up for new machines, and are available over the counter at Staples, and likely eventually Walmart and other stores.
These machines are apparently very durable and idiot proof. I think many states are requiring them in ALL businesses. But a diving operator who caters to older folks should consider one. All the oxygen and CPR in the world couldn't do squat for a heart attack victim. The defibrillator is his/her best chance for survival.
That's just my 5 cents worth on the matter. My guess is within a year, tonnes of the older AED's will be on the market, but one need to be aware of the need to separate the new ones from the old, and the difference between the new AED protocol and the old one. Bottom line - do what the machine say, not what you are taught.
In November 2005, AHA recommended changes to their AED and ACLS protocol, with focus on continous CPR, and less on pulse check and repeated defibrillation. The AED's on the market is a mix of the old and the new.
The current guideline is, irregardless of how you were taught to use the AED, if you were to pick up and use an AED on a patient, you follow the instruction the AED prompted to you. So if it is a pre 2005 protocol, you shock, check rhythm, check pulse if needed, or shock, shock, shock, then CPR.
The post 2005 protocol (on AED's shipped in mid 2006 and after), it is shock, CPR, check rhytm, then check, pulse. No pausing between the shock and the CPR. The pulse check comes last.
Cost - the refurbished and pre 2005 AHA AED's are frequently monophasic (less effective in the first shock), and run about $500 to $700 with a one year non-manufacturer warrantee from the used equipment dealers. Many are on the market for about $300-400 with old batteries that need to be replaced. These would be fine for the minimalist, but it utilizes the old pre 2005 protocols. Again, if you have these, don't turn them off between shocks to apply the new ACLS standards, just follow the old protocol, so you don't delay the treatment as these AED's have to go through a preshock system check that takes time. Use it based on the instruction it dictates.
The AED's with new protocols runs from $700-1000 refurbished with new batteries (lasting 2 to 5 years in the machine), and battery shelf life is up to 10 years. They are usually biphasic, and the shock wave is more effective than monophasic at converting a rhythm on the first shock. They are from $1200 and up for new machines, and are available over the counter at Staples, and likely eventually Walmart and other stores.
These machines are apparently very durable and idiot proof. I think many states are requiring them in ALL businesses. But a diving operator who caters to older folks should consider one. All the oxygen and CPR in the world couldn't do squat for a heart attack victim. The defibrillator is his/her best chance for survival.
That's just my 5 cents worth on the matter. My guess is within a year, tonnes of the older AED's will be on the market, but one need to be aware of the need to separate the new ones from the old, and the difference between the new AED protocol and the old one. Bottom line - do what the machine say, not what you are taught.
