An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrythmias of ventricular fibrillation and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layperson, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, certified first responder, and basic life support (BLS) level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes.
Automated external defibrillators are generally either kept with trained personnel or are public access units that can be found in places including shopping centers, airports, hotels, sports stadiums, schools and universities, workplaces and any other location where people may congregate. Studies have shown portable AEDs save lives. One such study, showed a group of sixth graders could begin defibrillation in 90 seconds. Time is a factor when after approximately three to five minutes in cardiac arrest, irreversible brain/tissue damage may begin to occur. For every minute that a person in cardiac arrest goes without being successfully treated, the chance of survival decreases by 7 percent per minute in the first 3 minutes, and decreases by 10 percent per minute as time advances beyond 3 minutes.
AEDs are already placed in a number of patrol units with all Travis County Pct. 2 patrol units being outfitted soon. In addition, every officer has been trained on usage and administration of the device, along with continuous life-saving yearly training including first aid and CPR. Pct. 2 takes the safety of all residents within Travis County seriously and being equipped with the technology and instruction gives us the means to do so.