The automated external cardiac defibrillator: lifesaving device for medical emergencies.
BACKGROUND
More than 350,000 adult Americans die each year of sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA. The event is unpredictable and can occur in patients with no history of cardiac disease or cardiac symptoms. Drugs and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, save only a small percentage of victims. The necessary response is rapid application of electrical shock, and the chances of success are reduced 10 percent for every minute of delay.


METHODS
The author reviewed the literature on resuscitation of people who have undergone SCA, and examined the emerging technology of automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, for correcting cardiac ventricular fibrillation. Included is a review of the controversies surrounding AED waveforms and energy levels.


RESULTS
Automated cardiac defibrillators are becoming readily available because of improved technology and decreasing prices. AEDs are now commonly found in commercial aircraft, gambling casinos, sports arenas and public buildings, and will soon become as readily available as fire extinguishers. The use of AEDs is being taught in standard CPR courses.


CONCLUSIONS
AEDs are being installed in more public locations, including some dental offices. As costs decrease and availability increases, there is significant potential use for AEDs in managing SCAs in dental offices.
Alexander
R E
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Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, USA.
D000328:Adult; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000193:education / Q000295:instrumentation; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*