The defibrillator is a medical device that is increasingly spreading even in non-hospital settings.In fact, it is a tool that can truly carry out a decisive action in saving human lives.
In recent years, models have been developed that are increasingly simple to use even for non-medical personnel and their diffusion has also opened up to various workplaces and meeting places,where his presence is now also mandatory by law.
Let's see what types of defibrillator exist,how they are used and where they must necessarily be present.
What is a defibrillator and what is it used for
The cardiac defibrillator is a life-saving device capable of detecting an individual's cardiac activity and its frequency.When it detects an anomaly, the defibrillator provides an electrical discharge to the heart which temporarily resets its beat and then reestablishes the right rhythm.
Generally, the discharge occurs through two electrodes connected to the two sides of the patient's heart,with other electrodes responsible for detecting the heart rate.
The first portable models were invented in Northern Ireland, and have gradually evolved, reducing in terms of size and weight,and consequently increasing manageability and transportability.
It is a truly fundamental life-saving tool, as it acts on a pathology in which time plays a fundamental role, such as cardiac arrest: in the case of cardiac arrest,every minute that passes without defibrillation decreases the individual's chance of survival by 10%.
There are mainly four types of defibrillators:
- the manual defibrillator,
- the automated external defibrillator (AED)
- the automatic defibrillatorexternal
- the defibrillator internal.
The manual defibrillator is the one usually used by medical personnel or adequately trained healthcare workers, inside hospitals as well as on emergency vehicles.The device is connected to a monitor that provides a trace and rigid pads to deliver the electric shock.It is up to the user to personally evaluate the patient's cardiac conditions, based on the data that the machine detects, as well as modulate the electrical discharge to be carried out.
A more advanced device is the semi-automatic external defibrillator (AED).By connecting the electrodes, the adhesive plates, to the patient's chest, the device performs electrocardiograms through which analyzes the heart rate and detects whether an arrest is in progress.It then indicates whether it is necessary to carry out a defibrillation, warning the operator that at that point he will only have to press the shock button,after making sure that the patient is in a suitable position and that no one nearby is in any danger.
It is a safe instrument because the device prepares for discharge only in the event of an actual shutdown being detected.There is therefore no risk that an operator commands an unnecessary discharge. Inside there is a memory card that records the entire event, including the voices of whoever is using it.
A further evolution is represented by the automatic external defibrillator.When properly connected, the instrument determines whether a shock is needed and, if so, carries it out automatically.
There are also particular automatic internal defibrillators, implanted in the body of the patient who suffers from a particular pathology.They are real heart muscle stimulators, small in size,for patients who suffer from serious arrhythmia problems and need to frequently resort to shocks.
When is a defibrillator mandatory
Many legislative decrees in Italy have concerned the use of the DAE.
The Law no. 120 of 2001 establishes that anyone who isable to use a semi-automatic defibrillator can intervene on a patient in cardiac arrest while waiting for specialized help to arrive,precisely because timeliness in this type of intervention is fundamental.
Legislative interventions in 2012 and 2013 have instead established important innovations regarding the health checks of athletes and above all on the mandatory provision of a semi-automatic defibrillator by allsports clubs, whether professional or amateur, with precise instructions also on its positioning, on the maintenance of the defibrillator and on the appropriate signs.
However, it was law 116 of 4 August 2021 that marked a decisive turning point,providing for the presence and possibility of using AEDs substantially in all public places.
We are therefore talking about all state or administrative offices (with at least 15 employees), the schools of every order and level, or even the means of transport (trains,aircraft ships) and in all stations or airports.
Similarly, the presence of a defibrillator is encouraged, which must be accessible 24 hours a day, in shopping centres, condominiums,workplaces and in general in any structure open to the public.
A very determined campaign has been underway for some years which calls for the installation of AEDs also on the streets.The easy availability and accessibility of the device in case of need could indeed save many lives.
All installed devices must be appropriately registered and connected to the competent 118 operations centre,which in case of emergency will therefore be able to indicate the presence of the nearest instrument.
To make the best use of an AED it is advisable to take a specialized course, held by competent bodies widespread in the area.However, Italian law allows the use of these devices also by untrained personnel, if carried out in an emergency situation where there is a real need to save a human life.
How much does a defibrillator cost
A external semi-automatic defibrillator, the most widespread model,it has a price of between 800 and 1,200 euros, depending on the brand and the number of functions.
This is perhaps a huge expense for a single citizen,but absolutely depreciable if, for example, you share with your neighbors in a condominium.
For companies that purchase an DAE, however, concessions.
are providedTo the cost of a defibrillator we must add those of its consumable parts,which therefore must be replaced periodically, such as the batteries, the electrodes and the plates.
On average, defibrillator batteries last 5 years and cost in the order of a few hundred euros.For electrodes and paddles, however, much depends on the compatibility with the chosen defibrillator.
In most cases, however, spending remains under 100 euros.Finally, especially thinking about the place where the device will be placed,it is also a good idea to equip yourself with a case or defibrillator storage boxes which keep it safe and isolate it from external factors that could damage it.
How to choose the defibrillator
The market for external semi-automatic defibrillators has become very extensive,given the great demand for devices due to legislative indications.
With such a wide offer it is advisable to be clear about some essential criteria for choosing the defibrillator.
You must first consider what your use needs are,but also some other factors such as the resistance to atmospheric agents (in case it is installed outdoors) and the power of the discharge.
Now all the most modern devices are capable of carrying out an accurate analysis of the patient's situation,as well as memorize all the operations carried out.Devono però avere dei comandi molto chiari, che aiutino il soccorritore, e devono essere geolocalizzabili con un sistema di controllo anche a distanza.
Also affecting the price are elements such as the life of the batteries, which can vary from 2 to 5 years,the weight itself (and therefore the ease of handling) of the device, the presence of electrodes suitable for both adults and children.
Precisely for all these elements, it is advisable to choose only defibrillators from the best brands,of certified producers and retailers with many years of experience in the sector such as __KEEP_0__.
The importance of the AED
We have seen how the adoption of an AED is really important for saving human lives.
The obligation of the defibrillator which concerns some work or social contexts,as in the sporting field, it must not lead to the idea that there is no need for it in other situations, such as private companies and public places.
The diffusion of this device must become increasingly widespread,but you also need to know how to choose the right product: for this reason it is important to rely only on expert suppliers who offer technologically cutting-edge products.
