Telluride Inside… and Out is proud to feature the Telluride Medical Center’s MEDICAL MOMENT, a weekly column that answers common medical questions in pop culture. Have a question for the doctors?
Dr. Paul Koelliker answers this week’s question: How can I use an automated external defibrillator?
Dr. Paul Koelliker
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable devices that detect an arrhythmia (ventricular fibrillation) in the setting of a cardiac arrest and then deliver a shock. AEDs are available throughout Telluride as portable devices powered by a rechargeable battery.
Most cardiac arrests occur from ventricular fibrillation, a condition characterized by erratic electrical impulses in the muscle fibers of the heart that prevent the heart from coordinated beating. If untreated within minutes, death could ensue.
Bystander CPR prolongs the time a heart can be defibrillated, but chances for survival drop by ten
percent every minute the heart is in ventricular fibrillation. Prompt action saves lives.
Non-medical personnel like police, flight attendants, firefighters, security guards and others are often
trained to use AEDs.
Lay people can also use AEDs with some education. In the setting of a witnessed cardiac arrest, bystanders should call 911 and begin CPR. If an AED is nearby, it should be located and quickly retrieved.
AEDs are self contained units and should have all needed supplies inside. While CPR is continued, the unit should be turned on and the self adhesive defibrillation pads should be place on the patient’s torso where indicated. A computer within the unit examines the patient’s heart rhythm and determines the need for a defibrillating shock. A recorded voice will instruct the rescuer to push the shock button if indicated.
AEDs will detect a rhythm that needs to be shocked 90% of the time and recommend not shocking 95% of the time — when a shock is not indicated. Many local Fire Departments and EMS organizations offer training programs, often with CPR instruction. Learning CPR and the basics of AEDs saves lives.
Telluride EMS has produced an instructional video (above) on the subject which is available online and is shown at the Nugget Theatre as a public service announcement.
There is also a the Telluride AED Mobile App. Download it today.
Editor’s note: The Telluride Medical Center is the only 24-hour emergency facility within 65 miles. As a mountain town in a challenging, remote environment, a thriving medical center is vital to our community’s health.
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