An emergency room doctor is recognized for using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to save a life. The device was used to save the life of a passenger on a Winnipeg transit bus.
Dr. Doug Eyolfson was on the bus on Portage Avenue when the heart of another passenger ceased to beat. At that time, Eyolfson told the driver to call 911 and started CPR. He requested a friend to borrow a defibrillator in a nearby hotel.
Increasing availability of AEDs
The portable devices are becoming common in public areas. It works by automatically diagnosing heart arrhythmias and will instruct the user on how to operate the device.
Eyolfson utilized the AED to deliver a shock to the man and fix the arrhythmias. According to Eyolfson, anyone can use the device. It will provide instructions to do perform CPR, when to stop and inform if a shock is necessary. It will not shock unless it indicates. The earlier the device is used, the higher the chances of survival.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a course on CPR and AED and for more information, check out these sources:
WebMD First Aid Resources: Comprehensive Information