April 27, 2007

AEDs across the MGH could save lives

When an individual experiences cardiac arrest, the sooner a trained rescuer delivers an electric shock with an automated external defibrillator (AED), the better the patient's chances of survival. Recently, the MGH Code and Response Committee completed the process of equipping seven high-traffic areas around the MGH campus with AEDs to better prepare for such emergencies. Installed in highly visible areas and with easily identifiable AED logos, the life-saving devices are housed in small cabinets in the Coffee Central area, the Cox Lobby, the Warren Lobby, the WACC Lobby, Eat Street Café, the Thier Lobby and the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care Lobby.

Colleen Snydeman, RN, nursing director for the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and Edward George, MD, director of the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, are the co-chairs of the MGH Code and Response Committee. "Equipping the campus with these devices is an important step in the delivery of emergency care for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest," says Snydeman. "Training in CPR and AED skills enables the rescuer to effectively care for the patient while waiting for the MGH Code Team. These are crucial minutes when the AED can actually be used to save someone's life."

Information about acquiring basic life support and AED skills are available by contacting Sheila Burke, RN, clinical educator for the Knight Nursing Center for Clinical and Professional Development, at (617) 726-1651.