The ABCs of AEDs – Salem Employees get Primer

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, can be a life saver. First responders, emergency medical centers and other safety workers have long had them at their disposable to stop a cardiac arrest, but these portable electronic devices are more often located in public buildings. 

Maybe you've walked by one of the boxy AED units and wondered what it was.

In Salem recently, an American Heart Association expert volunteered her expertise to conduct a CPR training course for town employees, including a review of the AEDs located in town buildings.

Molly McKean, Human Resources Director for the town of Salem, said AEDs are located at Salem Town Hall, 21 Cross St. (DPW facility), the Salem Police Department, and in fire and rescue vehicles.

Symptoms and Emergency Treatment of Cardiac Arrest, from the American Heart Association:

Signs of cardiac arrest: It strikes suddenly and without warning.

• Sudden loss of responsiveness
                 No response to tapping on shoulders
                 Does nothing when you ask if he is okay 
• No normal breathing
                 The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up 
                Check for at least five seconds

If these signs of cardiac arrest are present:

• Call 9-1-1 for emergency medical services.
• Get an automated external defibrillator (AED)
                If one is available
• Begin CPR immediately 
               Continue until professional emergency medical services arrive
• Use the AED as soon as it arrives.

If two people are available to help, one should begin CPR immediately while the other calls 9-1-1 and finds an AED.