WHAT IS THE AED MAPPING PROJECT?

The goal of the AED Mapping Project is to provide first responders and community members alike with the location of Automatic External Defibrillators, known as AEDs, throughout the Farmington area.  AEDs can be found today in a variety of public settings – from schools to airports. The project aims to map as many AEDs in our community as possible so that in the event of a cardiac emergency, AEDs can be located quickly.

What is an AED?

An AED is an easy-to-use medical device that can analyze a patient’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, administer an electrical shock (defibrillation) to re-establish a regular heart rhythm. Used by both trained emergency responders and laypeople, the AED is attached to the victim and delivers an electric shock when it detects a dangerous heart rhythm. However, being able to use an AED means knowing where the closest AED may be. AEDs are a critical link in the Chain of Survival.

The Chain of Survival during a Cardiac Arrest

There are five links in the out-of-hospital Chain of Survival. 

 

1) Recognition and activation of the emergency response system 

  • Assess the emergency and call 911 or the appropriate response system
  • Send someone nearby to retrieve the closest Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

2) Immediate high-quality CPR

  • Start performing CPR right away to maintain blood flow to vital organs

3) Rapid defibrillation

  • When the AED arrives, attach the pads to the victim's bare chest, turn the device on, and follow the prompts. A shock will be administered automatically if needed
  • Continue administering CPR until emergency personnel arrive

4) Basic and advanced emergency medical services

  • Trained and equipped pre-hospital EMS personnel take over treatment, continuing to perform CPR, administering drugs and performing advanced airway procedures and other protocols prior to patient's admission to advanced care facility

5) Advanced life support and post-arrest care

  • Patient receives comprehensive treatments in-hospital or at other professional healthcare facility

 Why is an AED Important?

The use of an AED during a cardiac arrest helps improve the individual’s chance of survival.

  • According to the CDC, more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are reported annually in the United States.
  • A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system abruptly malfunctions and the heart stops beating normally.
  • An estimated 70 to 90 percent of people experiencing a cardiac arrest die before reaching the hospital.
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to increase blood flow to the heart and brain, along with an electrical shock from n AED, can significantly increase the chances of survival.
  • For each minute that the use of an AED is delayed, the odds of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest are reduced by approximately 10 percent. So, having access to an AED and knowing how to use one is critical.

 What can you do?

  • Complete training in first aid/CPR/AED use
  • Know where your nearest defibrillator is, both in the workplace and in public places you frequent often
  • Become familiar with our Find an AED map so you can quickly locate the closest AED, should you need it
  • If your place of work or study has an AED, ask permission to submit the location of the AED so that it can appear on a frequently updated map of AEDs throughout the Farmington area
Find an AED