Automated external defibrillator (AED)

Rondesron
Defibrilation is what it says defibrillation, stops the heart muscle from fibrillating by applying an electric shock.
Defibrillation only works when the heart is in a shockable rhythm.
If the patient is unconscious and pulseless the rhythm could be asytole (flatline) and not shockable.
IV drugs are used to 'excite' the heart into shockable rhythm and maybe convert to VF (shockable)
To be basic a defibrillator is not the be all.
Depending on how much damage the heart muscle has suffered to cause the arrest in the first place determines the outcome.
Having said this, cardiac arrest is caused by many other reasons.
The best of luck and happy travels.

There are varying figures as to the success of CPR.

The main issue is that only 44% of cardiac arrest victims get any treatment outside of a Hospital.
So if 10 to 16% of those survive it miles better that 100% that will not survive with no treatment.

Good on you for highlighting this and good luck with your trip.

from Queensland Government

quote:
"Various studies have found that initial in-hospital CPR success rates range from 16.8 to 44%. Long-term survival (discharge from hospital) rates range from 3.1 to 16.5%. An indication of overall CPR success rates if the arrest occurs in hospital appears in the table below:"

I thought that's what I said on the 3rd line of my post...

We have one at work
Acompany that employs over a 100people and major regional hospital is 40mins away
Good insurance
if only the batteries were kept charged ?

Having been an active participant in 2 cases involving CPR, one a 2 year old boy and the other a 78 year old male, it is very distressing to all involved when the outcome is not the way it should be. In the latter case, there were up to 6 people sharing CPR duties, as well as a couple of highly qualified nurses working on him(with defibrillator & one of those manual air pump thingys).

Regardless of statistics, it's better to try for a good outcome, ie save a life, rather than do nothing and wonder over the following years whether, with your help, that life might have been saved.

Bob

Good on you for thinking ahead and being prepared. I have also completed a First aid course with one of these. Some devices also act as an aid to tell you when to start and stop compressions ect ect. So have many more uses than people that have never used one may think . They are are brilliant bit of gear and are only getting cheaper all the time. Thank you for your post and you have now got me interested in purchasing an AED.

Until recently I was in charge of a rural emergency department, so I have seen many people who have received attempts at resuscitation. Over a five year period I'd say I saw two good outcomes from out of hospital resuscitation attempts, one was by a highly skilled ambo, and one was a bloke who collapsed in the car park outside emergency.

Unless you are close to skilled paramedic or hospital support, resuscitation and defibrillation are unlikely to save someone's life in a meaningful way (plenty end up brain dead). Its not just a case of hook up the jumper leads and all will be well.

Carrying a defibrillator on a remote outback trip makes little sense to me, unless it (falsely) gives the traveller peace of mind.

I'd concentrate my efforts on cardiovascular risk reduction - control of BP, cholesterol, diabetes, weight reduction, smoking cessation and perhaps anti-platelet treatment (aspirin). If you are at high risk of a cardiovascular event, you should adopt a more philosophical approach to dying in the outback, or stay close to high level medical support.

Bob

Hi Rondesron
I'm sure you have read all the replies to your post.
I'd like to add something that is a little of topic as it relates to travellers that become unwell in an isolated envionment.
HF radio and the VKS network.
I know this device is priced in the vicinty of a portable defibrillator but in the case of an emergency it is priceless.24/7 it is available.
For example if you or your partner stumbles and falls and fractures a hip (#neck of femur) whether out bushwalking or as simple as falling out of the caravan door.
Can you lift your partner into a more comfortable position, probably not.
A selcal to the VKS duty controller will shortly have him/her on your radio.
The controller puts things into action to recover the injured person. They know where the air strips are on surrounding properties and where the closest assistance is. The RFDS is notified, Ambulance activated and police to recover your vehicle if the partner cannot drive.
And also as there are over 5000 probably more VKS network members all over Australia one may be camped just ten minutes away and be more than willing to assist with the situation, like help to make the patient more comfortable or help you pack up in preparation to move out.
An HF radio connected to a network is a most worthwhile extra insurance policy.
You have a nice rig to get you to those isolated and idilic places of which there are so many in our country.

Thanks for all your comments.