Why Should You Have an AED at Home?

Understanding AEDs and Their Importance.

Before discussing the pros and cons of purchasing a home defibrillator, it's helpful to understand what AEDs do and why they are needed.

Automated External Defibrillators, commonly known as AEDs, are used to revive someone in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA is a dangerous, life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. Without a proper heartbeat, victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest will die within minutes. Fortunately, there is a treatment! AEDs treat patients in SCA by safely restarting the heart.

The Critical Statistics

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is not only dangerous, it is also the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of over 350,000 people every year.

The most recent data suggest that 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, with the vast majority of the victims dying before help arrives. That's 250,000 lives lost each year in American homes. This massive number of people is equivalent to one-third of the population of Seattle, WA dying each year.

Why Time Matters

When Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs, a person's heart unexpectedly stops beating. Therefore, oxygen-rich blood is not being delivered to the brain and other vital organs. This lack of oxygen causes victims to collapse and become unresponsive. Without oxygen, the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims decrease quickly by 7-10% for each minute that passes. Therefore, to increase the likelihood of survival, AEDs should be used as fast as possible.

Anyone Can Use an AED

While it is prudent for health care professionals to have AEDs at home, you don't need a medical license to use an AED. They are built for use by anyone! In fact, there are many stories and even research studies about how youth can successfully use AEDs.

Real-Life Perspective

"For us, having an AED at home is very important because we know people at risk. We bought a personal AED for our house in the event that cardiac arrest were to happen at home. It's not unrealistic that we could be walking around the house and suddenly one of us is laying on the floor in sudden cardiac arrest. We want to be prepared with an AED so that we can do something to save a family member in the event of cardiac arrest."

Julia Kawas,
diagnosed with Long QT syndrome at age 14, shares why her family purchased AEDs upon learning that she, her mother, and brother have a potentially lethal heart arrhythmia.

Who Should Buy an AED for Home?

Although some people are more predisposed to cardiac arrest than others, sudden death can happen to anyone, anywhere. SCA affects men and women, young and old, and even those who seem to be in perfect health.

Priority Groups for Home AEDs

While ideally there would be a lifesaving AED in every household, several groups of people should consider purchasing an AED for their home sooner rather than later. Personal defibrillators are ideal for:

• Individuals with known heart problems or a family history of cardiac disease
• Informed AED users such as first responders and healthcare providers
• Other individuals and groups with certain hobbies and lifestyles

Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Unfortunately, the warning signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest are diverse and can be difficult to identify. SCA can occur without any warning at all. This unpredictability speaks to the importance of preparedness and knowing how to save lives from SCA.

High-Risk Conditions Include:

• Known Cardiac Arrhythmia and Other Heart Conditions
• Family History of Cardiac Conditions
• Previous Warning Signs (chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath)

Informed AED Owners

Informed AED buyers, like firefighters, police officers, EMTs, physicians, and other professionals that know about how and when to use AEDs should consider buying an AED for home use. Even when these individuals are off-duty, the lay public turns to them for help.

Additional Groups to Consider AED Ownership

• Frequent hosts of large gatherings
• People who participate in rural activities
• Pool owners
• Homeowner's association board members/leaders

Where to Place Your Personal AED

Key Placement Guidelines:

1. Make the AED visible
2. Ensure that it's accessible
3. Take it with you on the go

Suggested AED Locations:

• In the hallway next to the thermostat
• On the garage wall
• In the glove box of your car (if the AED is small enough)

Choosing the Best AED for Home Use

Important Factors to Consider:

1. AED Size & Weight
A home AED should be small, lightweight, and easy to carry. This enables you to take it wherever you go, increasing its potential to save lives.

2. Price & Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Consider both:

• Initial purchase price
• Long-term costs (replacement batteries, electrode pads)

3. Pediatric Capabilities
The best AED should be able to function for all ages, including children and infants, preferably with a simple child button rather than requiring separate pediatric pads.

4. Connectivity
Modern AEDs should offer:

• Automatic maintenance checks
• Status notifications
• Temperature monitoring
• Easy data access