AEDs in the Home: Why They’re Important

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.