Huron County has adopted a life-saving program called PAD (Public Access Defibrillation); which makes Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available to interested industries, organizations, schools or retailers. AEDs are tools to use when aiding a sudden cardiac arrest patient before paramedics arrive on the scene.

For every minute that passes between a sudden cardiac arrest and the use of CPR and a defibrillator, the chance of survival drops by 7-10%. After 10 minutes the survival rate is very low. The AED (defibrillator) should only be used if the person has stopped breathing and loses consciousness; it helps increase the chances of survival for anyone suffering a cardiac arrest.

AEDs are small portable defibrillators that analyze the electrical activity of a person’s heart and determine if the heart would benefit from applying energy (a shock). Simple audio and visual prompts lead the user through proper use of the AED. The unit works by stopping the patient’s heart momentarily, which gives the heart a chance to re-establish a regular rhythm on its own. If the person’s condition will not be improved by receiving a shock, the AED will not under any circumstance allow the user to apply energy.

AED training is highly recommended. However, these defibrillators can be safely used by anyone, even un-trained individuals. You only need to turn the unit on and follow the audio and visual prompts. The defibrillators used for Huron County’s PAD program are simplified versions of those carried by paramedics.

For more information about Huron County’s PAD program, training, or to make donations towards placing an AED unit in your community, contact us.

The PAD program is an investment in the health of your community.

What is PAD?

PAD stands for Public Access Defibrillation. A program which places defibrillators throughout the community in locations where there is a likelihood of someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

What is an AED?

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a small portable unit that is used to treat patients suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. The AED can analyze the electrical activity of the heart and determine if the heart will benefit from the application of energy (a shock).

This shock stops the uncoordinated electrical activity, allowing a regular heart rhythm to be established. Most AEDs include visual and audio prompts to guide users during its use.

How will I know that someone requires the defibrillator?

An AED must only be used if a person appears lifeless; they are unconscious, not breathing and showing no signs of circulation (no regular breathing, coughing or movement).

The AED can be applied to any person experiencing cardiac arrest. Medical conditions that lead to cardiac arrest include: heart attack, stroke, seizure and extreme shortness of breath. Possible non-medical causes include: electrocution, near drowning, near suffocation, and trauma.

If the person is experiencing any of the potential causes of cardiac arrest noted above, the AED should be brought to their side, but only applied if they appear lifeless.

What does defibrillation mean?

Defibrillation means “to cease fibrillation” - it is a medical procedure that refers to the application of energy (an electrical shock) through the chest wall to the heart of a patient suffering from cardiac arrest.

Normally, organized electrical activity causes the heart to beat regularly and distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body. In the case of sudden cardiac arrest, the patient’s heart stops beating in a regular manner and cannot pump blood to the body. This abnormal rhythm is called “ventricular fibrillation.” Defibrillation is the only treatment for this condition; the electrical shock resets the heart, allowing it to return to its normal rhythm.

Is cardiac arrest the same as heart attack?

No. In cardiac arrest, the electrical activity of the heart is uncoordinated; the person stops breathing and loses consciousness. In a heart attack, one of the blood vessels carrying blood to the heart is blocked. If the blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off for longer than several minutes, muscle cells in the affected area suffer irreversible injury and die. Heart attacks, in some cases, may lead to cardiac arrest.

What is early defibrillation?

Early defibrillation means the application of energy or shocking a heart back into normal rhythm at the earliest possible moment after cardiac arrest. This is absolutely essential if the cardiac arrest victim is to have any chance of surviving. When it comes to defibrillation, the expression "the earlier the better" applies. Even seconds can make the difference between life and death or serious disability. Of course, even early defibrillation cannot guarantee that the victim will survive. However, without it, the victim will certainly die.

Why is the time factor so important?

It's vital to administer defibrillation as soon as possible after cardiac arrest. Survival rates decrease by 7–10% with every minute that passes after cardiac arrest, if defibrillation or CPR is not administered. If defibrillation occurs more than 10 minutes after cardiac arrest, the patient's chances of survival are slim.

Can I get injured?

With proper training, it is unlikely that users will hurt themselves or the cardiac arrest patient by using an AED. The units are designed to be easy to operate; simple audio and visual prompts lead the user through proper use of the AED.

Where should AEDs be located?

AEDs should be placed at locations where there is a chance of someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Also, the units should be located in accessible areas where they can be delivered to the patient within three minutes.

Am I liable?

Under Ontario law, the "Chase McEachern Act (Heart Defibrillator Civil Liability),2006 " protects individuals acting in good faith from liability for any damages that may occur from the use of a defibrillator; this does not apply in instances where the individual is a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility.

No authorization by a physician is required to use an AED in an emergency. However, it is important that those who use the AED in an emergency to provide temporary aid be properly trained to perform the procedure effectively and not inadvertently cause harm to the patient.

What will happen to the patient when energy is applied through the AED?