Learning to Use Defibrillators is Key

You see them everywhere, at airports, malls and work.  But the National Institute of Health says Americans die needlessly from heart attacks because so few people know how to use the defibrillators that got so much attention when they were installed.  NEWS 3'S Tristan Tully takes a look at why they are so important, and how you actually use them.

We should all be prepared in the event of a health emergency, and with the right equipment around, that should help out.  Unfortunately, that's not always the case,

Doctor Michael Chisner with the Heart Hospital at St. Joeseph's Candler:

"There's fairly significant incidents of sudden death and if you can attack that and treat it quickly with defibrillation, you can resuscitate and make many people survive."

Phil McConnell with Oglethorpe Mall knows first hand that the defibrillators have made a life and death difference, "Yes, it has saved lives.  You know, we're about 66% of the people we've had to use them on have been saved."

However, most people don't actually know how to use them if needed, and so we thought we would take you step-by-step through the very easy process, "Push the "on" button.  Apply pads to bare chest”

After applying the pads, you plug in the attached connector.  Then, the machine takes over and analyzes the heart rhythm, "Shock advised.  Charging.  Stay clear of patient.  Beeeep.  Deliver shock now.  Shock delivered."

Phil McConnell, Oglethorpe Mall

"The units that we have are so easy to use.  I mean, they literally walk you step by step on what to do and how to do it and will actually tell you not to shock people at certain times."

Howard Gilbart, Oglethorpe Mall Security:

"This is a smart little machine.  They are.  They are a wonderful machine."

A machine that could help you save a life. 

Doctor Chisner with the Heart Hospital at St. Joeseph's Candler tells us that ideally, everyone from young to old should have an idea of how to do both CPR and work a defibrillator in case of an emergency.