BBC News reported of a 69 year old man who suffered cardiac arrest while on one of his regular swimming exercises at his club pool. He had done about 20 lengths when he was noted to suddenly veer off,stopped moving and started to sink. The lifeguards sprang into action, commenced CPR while the pool manager ran off to get a defibrillator which was used to shock him. He was later transferred by ambulance to the ICU where he remained unconscious for a few days but subsequently recovered enough to have a heart bypass operation. Today, he has resumed his swimming exercises.
A Defibrillator about to be used during CPR
I have noticed that tales such as this are becoming more frequent nowadays. In this case, with the implementation of UK government-funded schemes where there are some 700 of these devices in high-risk places like airports, train stations and sports centres, about a third of those on whom the defibrillators were applied survived (without using this device the chances of survival during a cardiac arrest is virtually zero). In fact, some airlines do have them on board, just in case any passenger gets a cardiac arrest. American Airlines have now carried these devices for 10 years and claim that 76 lives have been saved as a result.
Basically, the usage of this device requires a previously-trained person( all flight attendants are taught to use these devices) applying a pair of paddle-like electrodes on the chest and pressing a couple of buttons to discharge a burst of high electrical energy anywhere between 200-400 joules. This is enough to cause the affected person to go into an involuntary jerk or spasm, quite similar to that seen in TV movies. This electric ‘jump-start’ then restarts the heart to beat properly.
The device has to be applied within a few minutes of the cardiac arrest, otherwise irreparable brain damage might set in due to the loss of the pumping action of the heart.
Why are there not more defibrillators placed in public places? Basically, its a question of cost-effectiveness as each one may cost about USD 1,500. Despite this, many health advocates have called for more of these devices as several studies, including this one, have shown that placing these devices in high-risk public areas meet the usual standards of health cost-effectiveness.
If bought and used by local airlines, it would give credence to the motto “now everyone can fly!”.
Doctor2008's Weblog 
It is good to know how the debrifillators have helped some, survived cardiac arrests.
However, many Malaysians are unfamiliar with CPR, let alone in applying the debrifillators. Maybe, every student (from primary school to higher institution of learning) should be taught first aid, CPR & the use of life-saving devices. Here, I don’t mean only those who are members of the Red Crescent Society or the St.John’s Ambulance BUT Each & Everyone!
As part of their CSR, hospitals may wish to call on volunteers to learn first aid. Who knows, as an extension of this initiative, Malaysia could one day, have a ready pool of para-medics……………..Far-fetched???
Hey, that’s a great suggestion- adding basic CPR to a school’s curriculum 🙂
I know someone in here in the UK who managed a shopping centre and he was one the first people in the UK to be trained in the use of a defibrilator outside of the medical professional! He used it once and saved someones life. Once is enough to justify the cost me thinks!