Four things to know about your AED (via Go4)

1. Automated External Defibrillators are machines used when a person is suffering Sudden Cardiac Arrest (the number one medical cause of death in athletes), meaning their heart rhythm is abnormal. The defibrillator sends an electric shock to the heart to restore proper rhythm.
2. Keep the AED in a known, centralized location. AEDs should be applied within 2 minutes of the onset of SCA. Multiple AEDs may be required depending on your campus or venue size. When considering placement for an AED in an outdoor stadium or field house, make sure the AED is visible, accessible, and stored under an overhang or in a waterproof case so that it is protected from the elements.
3. If you are in charge of the AED for your campus, venue, or tournament, make sure you add a maintenance schedule to your Emergency Action Plan. Batteries and pads expire. AEDs should be checked prior to the start of any event.
4. The adhesive electrode pads will not stick to water/wetness on the chest. This will prevent the AED from reading the heart rhythm properly. Always make sure the patient is dry.

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by our partner, Go4, in an ongoing series of health and safety-related posts.