Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that happens to around 22,000 to 33,000 Australians annually outside a hospital. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. It can even happen right at the comfort of your home — hence the urgent need for your own home defibrillator!
Having a home defibrillator is vital in increasing the chances of survival for your loved ones in case of an emergency. What is a defibrillator, and how does it prevent sudden cardiac deaths at home?
In this blog, we’ll explain why having a defibrillator at home is so important and why purchasing one from Integrity Health & Safety is the best decision you can make to protect your family.
Sudden cardiac arrests happening at home are more often than you think
Recent research from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne has revealed that cardiac arrests are more prevalent in younger people than previously thought. About a quarter of all people under the age of 50 who died during the study period died from sudden, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
The study also found that many younger people who suffered cardiac arrests didn’t have any symptoms or obvious causes. These findings are particularly concerning, as in Australia alone, approximately 30,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, with 80% of those cases happening in their homes!
It’s important to understand that sudden cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or overall health. This means that none of our family members are spared — including yourself.
Why you need a defibrillator for the home
Only 1 out of 10 Australians who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest will survive without immediate treatment. That is why we need to be aware of the risks and take action to protect our loved ones by having a home defibrillator.
A home defibrillator can come in the form of a portable defibrillator also known as an AED.
What is the meaning of AED?
AED stands for automated external defibrillator. It is a portable medical device that is used to diagnose and treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in an emergency situation.
When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, their heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing an irregular heartbeat or stopping it altogether. An AED works by delivering an electric shock to the heart, which can restore a normal rhythm and potentially save the person’s life.
AEDs are designed to be used by non-medical professionals, such as bystanders or family members, and are often found in public places like airports, shopping centers, and sports arenas. You can also have one right in your home to prepare for a domestic SCA emergency.
How much is a defibrillator?
When buying an AED, note that the cost can vary depending on the specific model and features of the device. On average, AEDs can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500.
Some factors that may affect the cost of an AED include its brand, durability, ease of use, battery life, and additional features such as voice prompts and data recording capabilities. Some AEDs also require regular maintenance and replacement of parts, which can add to the overall cost over time.
While AEDs may seem expensive, they are a crucial investment in the safety and well-being of yourself and those around you. Did you know that defibrillation within 3 minutes of collapse increases the chance of survival by up to 70%?
Best defibrillator Australia: LIFEPAK defibrillators for every household
Here at Integrity Health & Safety, we recommend having LIFEPAK defibrillators for home. This LIFEPAK CR2 Fully Automatic Defibrillator has built in pediatric mode. This makes it a great unit for schools, childcare centres, and households with children.
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Buy your home defibrillator at Integrity Health & Safety
Integrity Health & Safety is a certified Indigenous-owned business that is dedicated to ethical and sustainable practices. We’re committed to improving Indigenous healthcare capabilities through our relationships with clients.
Our experienced team of paramedics and healthcare workers are ready to guide you on the best practice for defibrillators, whether it’s for your home, workplace, or community first aid kit.
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