AED knowledge, CPR skills can save lives

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --
Team Osan,

Knowledge of the availability and access of automated external defibrillators as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation trained responders are important. Early bystander CPR and rapid defibrillation are the two major contributors to survival of adult victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Everyone has heard the term "cardiac arrest."  If you witnessed someone go into cardiac arrest, would you know what to do? According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 383,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital setting annually. Most arrests are a result of irregular heart rhythms. An electrical shock, termed defibrillation, is the best known treatment for these arrhythmias. However, defibrillation must be administered within minutes of a cardiac arrest in order for it to be effective. For every passing minute without defibrillation and/or CPR, a victim's chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent. After just 10 minutes, very few resuscitation attempts are successful.

I ask again, Team Osan, are you prepared? We are a young and healthy population; however, tragedy can strike at any time. We all need to ensure we are ready to act in an emergency situation to save a fellow wingman's life.

Did you know Osan has a Public Access Defibrillator program? Osan's PAD program ensures that 30 buildings, gate entrances, and public shopping areas are equipped with 49 AEDs and CPR trained staff.  It is crucial these AEDs are available, because studies show that early defibrillation increases survival rates.  Every AED is inspected daily to ensure it is operational.   Targeted responders are part of the PAD program which trains its members to recognize emergencies, activate emergency response and provide CPR or defibrillation, which are the most important steps anyone can take when faced with a sudden emergency. During a cardiac arrest, time is precious.  Waiting on an ambulance to arrive in order to begin to use an AED will not contribute to the survival advantage of the victim. That is why CPR/AED training provided by PAD programs is of the utmost importance.

Practice makes us better, which is why training across the installation is paramount.  This year, your Osan PAD team and site locations will conduct quarterly "man down" exercises to ensure the staff at every AED location knows what to do in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.  Most important is taking preventive measures that reduce the risk of heart disease like routine exercise, healthy diet and maintenance health exams.  I encourage each of you to engage in a CPR course, contact your site coordinator, and become familiar with your units AED.  It can happen to anyone, anywhere, and YOU may need to react quickly in order to save a life.  One last time, are you prepared?