A responsible organization will buy a defibrillator

DefibrillatorIn the world in which we live, the responsibility for the safety of people in a public place often rests solidly on the shoulders of those who own the facility. Because of this, most organizations have fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency washing facilities located in strategic areas. While this is a good thing, the majority of these organizations neglect one simple, life-saving step: buying a defibrillator.

Too many people think of a stopped heart as something that happens only to people who are too far gone to save. The simple truth is that there are many conditions that can cause the heart to temporarily stop. In these situations, there is nothing medically wrong with the person beyond the stopped heart. When these people are in a location whose owner has wisely chosen to buy a defibrillator, a life can be easily saved.

Some emergencies like an electric shock, exposure to certain chemicals, or a seizure can cause a person's heart to stop due to shock. Think of this as a "heart cramp". It is a temporary condition that is not, in and of itself, life threatening. The danger comes when there is no way to stimulate the heart and save the person's life. Often in these situations, using a defibrillator can restart the heart and help the person through the emergency.

Schools, businesses, and other community centers would be wise to buy a defibrillator. Having emergency medical equipment available is the most responsible choice. This is true from the perspective of an organization wishing to ensure the health of its associates as well as those who wish to avoid costly legal entanglements.