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29/Nov/2022

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in Singapore, claiming the lives of more than a thousand people each year. And according to studies done by SingHealth, it has been made clear that when a heart attack of SCA does occur, the actions taken during the first few minutes of an emergency is critical to a victim’s survival. As a matter of fact, victim’s have a 20% survival rate when they get early CPR and early defibrillation. This is compared to the 0 to 2% survival rate for those who receive no CPR and delayed defibrillation. This just goes to show that AEDs are an important tool in the fight against SCA, as they can be used to bring a victim back from the brink of death. So, does that mean that you should buy a defibrillator for your home? 

What is an AED?

Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are devices that can be used to administer emergency care in the event of an SCA. It analyses the victim’s heart rhythm and advises the rescuer whether or not a shock is needed. If one is needed, these portable devices will automatically deliver an electric shock to the heart, restoring its normal rhythm. The entire process is simple and easy to follow, with clear voice instructions and step-by-step visual cues. As such, it is clear to see that they are designed for use by a layperson with no medical training and can be a vital life-saving resource in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. 

When is it Ideal for Homes to Have AEDs?

While AEDs are most commonly found in public places like schools and malls, more and more homes are also choosing to install them. This is because, according to the Singapore Medical Journal, about 70% of all cardiac arrests occur in residential areas. And since cardiac arrests can happen to anyone at any time, even if they don’t have any prior heart conditions, it’s important to have an AED on hand — so that you can administer care as quickly as possible and increase the individual’s chances of survival. Here are three main scenarios when it’s ideal for homes to have AEDs:

1. High Risk of Cardiac Arrest

If you live with family members who might be at risk of SCA, given the unpredictability of SCA and its diverse range of warning signs, there is an increased need to be prepared and be well-versed in the various ways to save lives from SCA. Therefore, if you live with individuals who have pre-existing conditions such as congestive heart failure or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, someone who smokes, has high blood pressure and other risk factors, then it is a great idea to have access to an AED machine in your home so that you can improve their chances of survival.

2. Already Experienced SCA or Heart Attack

If you or a loved one has already suffered from a heart attack or have survived a previous SCA, there is a higher risk of it happening again. To ensure that you are prepared, be sure to invest in an AED machine for your home and take the necessary precautions, such as having your friends and family undergo CPR and AED training. 

3. History of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Since some cardiac abnormalities are hereditary, if heart disease runs in your family, you should consider buying an AED for your home. This means that even if the people you reside with have experienced possible cardiac arrest warning signs like chest pains and shortness of breath, it might be practical to look into buying an AED defibrillator from a reliable supplier in Singapore. Not only could doing so save a life but pairing its accessibility with CPR + AED training and certification can give you the confidence and skills you need to act quickly and effectively in an emergency. 

Of course, even if none of these scenarios apply to you, it’s still worth considering getting an AED for your home—because anyone can experience SCA at any time. 

Pairing AED with the Appropriate CPR and AED Training

Having an AED machine in the home can be a lifesaving measure — if you know how to use it properly. Therefore, before buying an AED for your home, it’s important that someone in the household is trained and certified in both CPR and how to use an AED. Knowing how to properly use an AED could mean the difference between life and death for someone you love. And in addition to being prepared for sudden cardiac arrest, CPR + AED training and certification can make you a valuable asset in any emergency.

Here at HTM Medico, we offer both CPR + AED training as well as comprehensive CPR/AED training equipment like AED trainers so that you are equipped with up-to-date knowledge on how to perform CPR and use your AED machine effectively and safely. And when it comes to buying an AED defibrillator in Singapore for your home, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting high-quality equipment from a reputable supplier. Here at HTM Medico, we offer a wide range of AEDs that have been used by many reputable organisations in Singapore. Choose the HeartSine AED and the LifePak CR2 defibrillator for your home in Singapore today. To buyportable AED and AED trainers or for information on which AED defibrillator to buy for your home, feel free to get in touch with us at (65) 6744-5911 or sales@htmmedico.com.sg.


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29/Nov/2022

We all know how important it is to stay healthy and keep fit. And one of the best ways to achieve this is by going to the gym and fitness centres which both play an important role in supporting the mental and physical well-being of the masses. While these fitness places feature safe equipment, professionals who will be able to offer advice, and it is not common for people to get injured or suffer from an adverse medical event such as a sudden cardiac arrest at a gym, one can never be too careful. After all, the gym is the place where we exert our bodies more than we usually would. And given that approximately a thousand Singaporeans die from sudden cardiac arrests annually, it’s important for gyms to have staff who are trained in emergency first response and have access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Not only will gym goers feel at ease knowing there are staff members who are trained in emergency first response and can perform standard first aid and AED training, but it could also save a life. 

Here are three reasons why your gym or fitness centre needs an AED: 

1. Strenuous Workouts Increase the Risk of SCA

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in Singapore and can happen to anyone at any time – even people who are seemingly healthy and fit. In fact, the number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in Singapore increased to 3,432 in 2020. While about 80% of SCA happens because of coronary heart disease and the chances of experiencing SCA at the gym are relatively low, strenuous workouts and overexertion can increase the risk of SCA — this is especially so for high-risk individuals with risk factors for heart problems like obesity, diabetes and hypertension. In such cases, having an AED machine on hand can help ensure that gym goers can get the treatment they need as quickly as possible in the event of SCA. 

2. Trained Staff Can Help Save Lives 

When someone suffers from SCA, oxygenated blood stops flowing to vital organs like the heart and the brain, making the fast action of bystanders critical to the survival of the individual. Simply waiting for the first responders to arrive will not guarantee the survival of the individual. As such, gyms that have personnel with CPR and AED training are investing in the safety of their customers. Not only will they be able toprovide standard first aid in the event of an injury, but they will also be able to use the AED properly in the event of SCA. Having this kind of training also helps to reduce the amount of time it takes to respond to a medical emergency. The quick response time and availability of an AED can be a lifesaver for customers who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. With a fast response time and successful resuscitation, the customer’s chances of survival are significantly increased. 

At HTM Medico, we offer both standard first aid and AED certification courses that are specifically designed to equip you with the lifesaving skills and confidence to respond to cardiac emergencies. Our courses are accredited by the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council (SRFAC) and will be valid for two years.

3. Quick Access to AEDs Can Increase Survival Chances

In many cases, quick access to an AED can mean the difference between life and death. When someone experiences SCA, time is of the essence; every minute that goes by without treatment reduces their chances of survival greatly. This is why it’s so important for gyms and fitness centres to have an AED machine on hand at all times. At HTM Medico, we offer a variety of AED machines that are specifically designed to save lives, even in gyms and fitness centres. Our range of AED machines includes the Heartsine AED and LifePak CR2 Defibrillator. With our wide selection of AED machines, you can ensure that you are prepared for any eventuality. Just ensure that there is staff who are trained in emergency first response and can respond quickly and efficiently. They should be equipped with the knowledge to assess the situation and be able to administer life-saving treatments such as CPR or use an automated external defibrillator (AED) that has been installed in your gym or facility. 

Buy AED Machines at HTM Medico

As you can see, there are many good reasons why your gym or fitness centre needs to buy an AED machine. Since quick access to an AED can mean the difference between life and death, it’s important to make sure that yours is easily accessible and in good working condition at all times. 

At HTM Medico, we have high-quality AEDs for sale as well as standard first aid and AED certification courses designed specifically for gyms and fitness centres. Enhance safety measures by buying portable AEDs or send your staff for first aid and AED training with us. We’re here to help you create a safe environment for your members so that they can focus on reaching their fitness goals. Feel free to contact us at (65) 6744-5911 or sales@htmmedico.com.sg to learn more about our CPR + AED Certification course in Singapore and AED machines and take the necessary precautions to keep your gym-goers safe and secure while using your facilities.