X-Message-Number: 22063 Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 19:20:19 -0700 (PDT) From: Christine Gaspar <> Subject: Re: CryoNet #22049 - #22060 --0-1143629445-1056421219=:92104 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi there. I wanted to add something to Tim Freeman's message about defibrillators. I fully agree with the advice he gives, but I can add a piece of information that may save someone's life. A defibrillator or AED is an excellent idea. Essentially one needs very little formal training in order to be able to operate one. The computer analyzes the person's heart rhythm, and makes the decision whether to defibrillate or not. It then instructs the user to push the button necessary to deliver the electric charge to the patient. One of the most common causes of sudden death is a lethal arrhythmia, which is very different from a heart attack. A sudden lethal arrhythmia such as pulseless ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation is treated immediately by administering an electric shock to the heart, effectively stopping it. Then, in principle, the heart's cells, which all inherently want to beat, will pick up the signal from the heart's pacer, to all beat at the same time again, thus producing a rhythm compatible with life. Essentially you are rebooting the heart by shutting it off, and hoping it will restart properly. In the absence of an AED, one trick which can't hurt is to make a fist, swing your arm up in the air, and pound the mid chest with as much force as you can muster. (not repeatedly, just once or twice).This has sometimes been known to help...although you will initiate CPR too, as this person is likely unconcious,pulseless and breathless. Obviously it is very important to develop a regimen that makes you as healthy as possible, as well as being very proactive with your medical provider to get thoroughly examined for any possible timebombs lurking inside. I will likely be looking to purchase an AED, as I know from experience that the sooner a pulse is restored, the more likely the person is to survive. Christine Gaspar --0-1143629445-1056421219=:92104 Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii [ AUTOMATICALLY SKIPPING HTML ENCODING! ] Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=22063