AEDs give life-saving capabilities to Yokota

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Louis Favela, 374th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician, and Staff Sgt. Don Flores, 374th MDOS program manager and emergency medical technician, perform chest compressions during a demonstration on the steps for using an automated external defibrillator at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 2, 2011. The AED's electrical contacts are placed on the bare chest of an unconscious victim. From there, the AED gives verbal instructions on what to do next and can potentially play a vital role in saving a life. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Stacy Moless)

AEDs give life-saving capabilities to Yokota

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Louis Favela, 374th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician uses the head-tilt, chin-lift, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation technique to open a simulated victim's airway. Sergeant Louis demonstrates how to properly administer CPR in combination with an automated external defibrillator at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 2, 2011. The AED's electrical contacts are placed on the bare chest of an unconscious victim. From there, the AED gives verbal instructions on what to do next and can potentially play a vital role in saving a life. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Stacy Moless)

AEDs give life-saving capabilities to Yokota

Published Aug. 4, 2011
By Airman John D. Partlow
374th Airlift Squadron Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- When a Yokota Airman became unconscious during a recent physical training session, responders on the scene turned to an automated external defibrillator to save his life.

"Without the AED getting there so fast, the Airman's life wouldn't have been saved," said Airman 1st Class Linda Wolff, 374th Medical Operations Squadron medical technician.

Locations such as the base fitness center have AEDs on hand for immediate care in emergency situations.

"We have AEDs readily available because Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death among adults," said Capt. Lorraine Rivera, 374th MDOS family practice element chief. "In many cases of SCA, having an AED available will make the difference between life and death."

An AED is a device that recognizes when a victim's heart is stopped or beating erratically and can give the shock necessary to resuscitate.

"Each minute a victim needs defibrillation and does not receive it, their chance of survival greatly diminishes," said Tech. Sgt. Steve Duba, 374th Medical Group cardiopulmonary resuscitation program director.

AEDs are not only designed to be a life-saving tool, but they are also easy to use.

"AEDs provide life-saving technology in short simple instructions that anyone can use so anybody can save a life," said Airman Wolff.

The device has two pads that are placed on the victim's chest. A computer inside the AED analyzes the person's heart rhythm and determines if a shock is required to save the victim. If a shock is required, the AED uses voice instructions to guide the user through life saving steps.

"You never know who is going to be at the situation and how people are going to react," said Airman Wolff. "Sometimes people can panic, and when they do they sometimes forget all their training, so that's why AEDs come with voice instructions and pictures."

AEDs are located at several locations on Yokota for quick use in emergency situations. All AEDs are stored in a white container labeled as "emergency defibrillator" and usually mounted to walls in busy or centrally located areas. There is also a small "AED" sign above most storage containers.

To Staff Sgt. Don Flores, 374th MDOS program manager and emergency medical technician, having these devices on Yokota make him feel safer.

"I feel more comfortable knowing AEDs are located around base, and it gives me a sense of security that if anything were to happen, someone can use it to save my life," he said.