Defibrillators are saving lives; learn more at Operation Heartbeat

By Emily Burkles

An AED is a portable device the size of a laptop computer that restores the heart’s rhythm with an electric shock. It gives an EKG readout similar to a hospital monitor and tells the operator whether a person needs a shock, how to apply the pads and when to press the button.

“We respond to many incidents where the heart has stopped,” said Lt. Jerry Minger of the IUPD. “AEDs increase the chances of survival into the 90th percentile. Relatively few police departments have these because of lack of funding. We were very fortunate to have the IU Foundation pay for these.”

The IUPD is a participant in the Monroe County Operation Heartbeat program. This program of the American Heart Association encourages more organizations throughout the county to acquire and learn how to use AEDs.

Fibrillation occurs when the heart is in a quivering state, not still or weakly beating. CPR does not work when the heart is in fibrillation. According to the American Heart Association, for every minute that passes without defibrillation, a patient’s chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10 percent. An AED stops the fibrillation and allows CPR compressions to work effectively.

The IUPD is conducting its own training sessions. There are five CPR instructors that are now AED instructors as well. Certification takes only 3 or 4 hours and re-certification must take place every 2 years, just like CPR. AED training will now be a part of CPR training.

“AEDs are very user-friendly,” said Sgt. David Rhodes of the IUPD. “In stressful situations, it’s easy to get distracted. With these, you can’t make mistakes.”

Currently, there are 17 AEDs located on the Bloomington campus. In addition to the six squad cars, they can be found in the Health Center, the Student Recreational Sports Complex, the School of Health Physical Education and Recreation, Assembly Hall, the training room, football complex and the Showalter House. IUPUI has four units, which are located in the fire and safety areas.

IU Southeast has two AEDs in its police department.

Operation Heartbeat is offering a free AED training course on April 28. For more information, call 812-353-9456 or E-mail Rita Mikels at: rmikels@bloomhealth.org.

http://www.americanheart.org