AED

Dentist in Towson

What is an AED?

AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. It is a medical device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm. If necessary, it delivers an electrical shock, known as defibrillation, which helps the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Over 350,000 people will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest this year. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere and at any age. An AED is the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest and is an easy to operate tool for someone with no medical background.

The American Red Cross supports the position that improved training and access to AEDs could save 50,000 lives each year. The American Red Cross believes that all Americans should be within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it. The 2010 consensus on science for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) agrees that Sudden Cardiac Arrest can be treated most effectively by a combination of CPR and Defibrillation.

The average response time for first responders once 911 is called is 8-12 minutes and for each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced approximately 10%. Understanding that time is of the essence, Ousborne and Keller has had an AED in our office since 1999, even though there was not a legal obligation to do so until 2010. The staff of Ousborne and Keller meets continuing education requirements for AED training every two years as part of their CPR program.

As our mission statement reflects “We offer five star service with excellence, professionalism and integrity” and Ousborne and Keller’s commitment to enriching the lives of patients who choose and cherish excellence extends well beyond dental borders.