Public access defibrillators – a shock of life

  • Published
  • By Col. Diane Reese
  • 377th Medical Group commander
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  Did you know that one person dies from sudden cardiac arrest every two minutes? SCA is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The use of an automated external defibrillator greatly increases the chances of survival during the first few minutes of SCA.

An AED is a portable electronic device that diagnoses ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia (quivering of the heart muscle), and two life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The AED treats these conditions by applying a brief electrical impulse, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.

AEDs are often referred to as public access defibrillators. These white boxes are located at public areas and throughout most buildings on Kirtland AFB. Persons in these areas should always know where the PAD is located. Make sure you learn how to use a PAD and know where it is located in your building and the public areas you frequent! There is an assigned PAD monitor for each device on base. This person is your cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR point of contact.

This individual can provide the times and location of up coming classes. The operation of an AED is easy. It is crucial to start and then apply CPR until the AED is brought to the scene. When the AED arrives, simply plug the chest pads into the machine, press the power button and follow the automated directions. Fast action following these steps greatly increases the individual's chances of survival. Always remember that the first step is to start CPR, then apply and use the AED when it is present.

Just last week, there was a serious motor vehicle accident that required the response of not only ground ambulance but air rescue. Due to severe budget cuts, the Kirtland Fire Department lost funding for their overhire paramedic positions. Now the KFD will respond with emergency medical technicians who will provide care until Albuquerque Ambulance Service responds with a paramedic or an air ambulance is requested. Team Kirtland personnel should not wait until the paramedics arrive, as we can harness these precious minutes in order to save a life!

If you have any questions regarding the PAD program, or do not know who your unit point of contact is, contact 1st. Lt. Marc Rittberg, the base's PAD coordinator, at 846-3680.