X-Message-Number: 22063
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 19:20:19 -0700 (PDT)
From: Christine Gaspar <>
Subject: Re: CryoNet #22049 - #22060

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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

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