Webinar Series Starting In March

SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST is the #1 killer in the US annually and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is the difference between life and death for these victims.  Every minute that goes by without using an AED results in a 10% less chance of survival!

You simply can’t wait for EMS or First Responder community teams to arrive!  National average EMS response is 8-10 minutes in urban areas.

OSHA highly recommends these devices in the workplace and there are many industry-specific, federal, state and local mandates for AEDs due to the death toll of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).  But, even if you are not mandated — you should consider purchasing one of these devices.  They take survival rates from SCA from 3-7% to over 65%! PLUS, if you can use a cell phone – YOU CAN USE AN AED!

So, are there any drawbacks to owning an AED?  Yes, if you do not maintain them or implement them according to your applicable AED acquirer laws in your city/county/state.  Think Safe knows these laws and is known for providing the legal protection and solutions our clients and dealers need.

Think Safe, in an effort to help our customers and dealers understand the legalities of defibrillator ownership, is sponsoring a webinar series on AED Programs: Avoiding Liability.

The webinar runs 3 times per day in March with speakers Paula Wickham or Greg Stebral, industry experts, providing key tips and resource materials for existing AED programs or those interested in selling AEDs or purchasing AEDs for their facility or workplace.

There is no fee.  There is no software to download. You just need an internet connection (no phone). All you have to do is go to:

http://www.thinksafewebinars.com/State-and-Local-AED-Acquirer-Laws.html

Once you fill out the form (we DO NOT SELL your information) you will be provided a screen that shows open webinars and you can click on and select any times / dates with open seats.

There are many dates/times to pick from this month- we know how hard it is to push a webinar into your busy schedule but…. you’ll find value from this webinar and we look forward to seeing you online.

Business AED Package

If you have any questions or want to schedule a specific time for this webinar please contact Paula Wickham at pwickham@think-safe.com or call our offices and ask for Paula or Greg, 319-377-5125.   Making Minutes Matter!

What are the reoccurring budget items for my AED program?

There are 5 potential budget items that affect your AED program.  Note that any non-compliance, where necessary, leads to a break down in your AED program and does open you to potential for legalities.  Once you have an AED program, remember to budget for these items where applicable!

1)       Electrode Pads – The majority of the AED models on the market have a 2 year electrode pad life.  The date of the expiration is clearly marked on the pad package, an example is shown on this posting for the Philips FRx Rugged AED.  Some AED models do have 3.5 yr expiry dates up to 5 yr expiry dates, however. Dates vary due to packaging mechanisms but be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines and expiration dates provided.  The electrode pads will dry out and prevent proper AED functioning/use if they are not replaced as needed.  Pads range in price from $35-$120, depending on make and model owned.

2)       Batteries – The majority of the AED models on the market have a 3-5 year warranty and lifespan.  The date of the expiration is also clearly marked on the battery.  Various models will warranty the devices for xx years AFTER initial install so be sure to clearly mark your records on WHEN you install the battery for these models.  Also, the HeartSine Samaritan and Physio Conrol / Medtronic CR Plus Lifepak or Lifepak Express models have a combo pack you purchase with battery/pads being replaced simultaneously.  Defibtech / Cintas does sell a model that has a suggested annual replacement of an off-shelf 9V battery (this ensures their AED performs proper self-testing).  AED batteries range in price from $75-$400, depending on make and model owned.

3)       Training – AED acquirer state laws many times dictate that you have to ensure expected users are trained in American Heart or Red Cross or equal CPR & AED certified courses (American Safety & Health Institute, Medic First, Health & Safety Institute, Emergency Care & Safety Institute, American Health Association, etc).  These certifications range depending on which training org you use but every 1-2 years the certification expires and needs to be renewed.  Courses can be obtained locally at Red Cross locations or through the American Heart Association network but also there are over 100,000 instructor throughout the US alone and there are local training centers that can provide a competitive price for CPR & AED, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen or Universal Precautions plus other more advanced or supplemental add-on training classes.  Various online solutions are also available.  Think Safe has a listing of US training centers and online solutions; contact us at or info@think-safe.com if you would like to contact a local trainer in your area.

4)       Program Manager Software / Database – AED acquirer state laws many times also dictate that the AED has to be maintained to manufacturer and industry standards.  This standard generally a 30 day check.  Many companies have their own database solution for ensuring equipment is checked regularly and records of these checks are kept on file (big companies).  If you do not, there are online solutions that are inexpensive but key in helping to not only auto-notify your AEDs are checked to standards but also the log and records of all AEDs are filed and backed up regularly for legal protection.  A nice comprehensive  UNLIMITED user solution at $25-$50/location (customer) can be seen here, showing it’s full capabilities:  http://www.firstvoice.us/FirstVoiceAEDManagerVideo/tabid/751/Default.aspx

5)       Medical Oversight – AED acquirer state laws in approximately 20 states requires a licensed physician or “certified healthcare provider” to oversee the AED program.  This is NOT an Rx!  Proper Medical Oversight includes sign-off by the appropriate license owner referred to in that state law on:  AED/CPR training of the organization (who is trained, how often, what they are trained on); AED placement and markings; AED communication; AED policy; AED maintenance & upkeep procedures.  Contact Think Safe at if you are not sure if your state requires medical oversight.  Medical Oversight costs anywhere from $75/AED to $350/AED or some companies chose to hire medical direction and pay a retainer annually.  Think Safe has a national network of medical directors and can provide a quote for efficient medical oversight for your organization, charging you for locations ONLY where mandates require it. In some cases, we can connect you with a local FREE source for medical oversight.  Call for more details.  AED distributors/dealers are encouraged to call as well.

Think Safe [VIEW OUR BIO] is a certified Women-Owned Business (WBENC) providing first aid & defibrillator expertise to clients since 2004. Known for technical assistance to customers on: [State AED acquirer laws] [AED funding sources and grants] [AED program management solutions] including [Medical Oversight] [& Online AED database / record-keeping compliance software].

References available or drop us a line  [888.473.1777]

School Mandates for AEDs slowed by economy

I recently read this article:  http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/111835889_Defibrillator_bill_stalled_over_funds.html

There are several very good points made in this article.

Of note is that these lifesaving devices can be purchased for $1000 or under and AED packages (cabinet, etc) are $1000 to $1500.  And, companies and facilities should want to purchase and maintain the devices under their own lead, not based upon being MANDATED to buy.

I know of several MANDATED customers (schools, fitness clubs, gyms, etc) where they – without hand holding and an easy database solution that is inexpensive – DID NOT hold up their end of the bargain historically due to the absence of an AED program Champion.    Pads expire, Batteries expire, devices go unchecked and management is crossing their fingers [and toes] that the device works when it is needed at their location (if it is even remembered to be used).

The key is that these devices save lives, they should not be mandated, they should be affordable and easy to maintain.  THEY SAVE LIVES and let’s not forget that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the biggest killer annually in the U.S.

How can you fund an AED?  There are grants – email us for a copy of “THE FOUNDATION OF FUNDING AEDS” – FREE, COMPLIMENTARY and no strings attached!

EMAIL:   grants@think-safe.com (subject – COPY OF FOUNDATION OF FUNDING AEDS)

How can you make sure the AED is constantly in compliance and checked regularly for under $25 – 50/yr at your location?  info@firstvoice.us or check out this link:

http://www.firstvoice.us/Products/FirstVoiceAEDProgramManager/tabid/727/Default.aspx

It seems that the answer to placing the devices are not mandates but rather, proper funding and program solutions for the long term!   We can always be reached at  as well at the contact info below, and we are happy to give you our technical insights into accessible funding sources and cost reductions, where applicable!

Making Minutes Matter

Think Safe Blog /grants@think-safe.com (888.473.1777)

Why do we need AEDs in camps or at schools?

June 2010

What is the scoop on AEDs and Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

We are talking about the nation’s leading killer; killing more people than strokes, AIDS and breast cancer in the US annually.  Each year, between 300,000 and 400,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside of a hospital.

About 10,000 to 20,000 are children!  SCA affects people of all ages!

On average in the U.S., just 6.4% of SCA victims survive. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) take chances of survival to over 65%. In fact, early defibrillation (within 2-4 minutes ideally) with CPR is the only way to restore the SCA victim’s heart rhythm to normal. For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by around 10%. However, there are not enough AEDs to provide this life-saving treatment, resulting in lost opportunities to save more lives. Tragically, per a NIH study in 2007, 64% of Americans have never even seen an AED. AED PROGRAMS CAN AND DO IMPROVE SURVIVAL RATES. Communities with comprehensive AED programs that include training of anticipated rescuers in both CPR and AED use have achieved survival rates of 65 percent or higher.

How does this affect camps?  [American Camping Association**]

Illinois in 2009 passed an AED law for “recreational areas” that includes sports fields or recreational areas, affecting schools and camps.  Also, organizations that are involved in camping – such as the YMCAs, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts have been placing AEDs in an increasing number of facilities and camps. This is setting an expectation to provide care amongst the population and camp attendees.  With AEDs becoming more readily available, the potential exists for increased litigation from not having an AED on premises if there is a SCA event at the camp facilities. With AED prices dropping, more products to choose from, and the possible consequences of living in our litigious society, the time for a camp to purchase an AED is now. This is especially true of those camps in remote areas where medical response is delayed.

Why should I be a champion for AEDs?   Can’t we just call 911?

The national average for EMS response in the US is 8-10 minutes.  It is recommended (for best chances of survival) AEDs be used early on and ideally within 2-4 minutes.  There is a very good chance emergency medical services (EMS) cannot respond fast enough to save someone in cardiac arrest, particularly in congested urban areas, high-rise buildings, in remote rural areas, or large facilities.

What constitutes gross negligence isn’t spelled out in the law. Per product liability attorneys specializing in AED case law, organizations that have heavy traffic are more at risk if they fail to comply with “standards to provide care” and don’t have an AED at all.  Any manager or camp director at any large or high traffic facility should consider ramifications of not having at least one on premises in the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).  It is most likely their own job they are putting on the line and they should argue hard for them.  As a value-add for those directors whom can’t get top down management on board and funding is an obstacle; they should get hard copy evidence on file from their management if they can not get approval for purchase.  The old “CYA” policy!

** [Special note:  in January 2010 American Camping Association put the following revised accreditation standard into place for all camps except non-medical religious camps (camps where participants by religion do not allow modern medical intervention or treatment such as the Christian Science Church). Standard HW-17 now states: Does the camp have access to an AED (automated external defibrillator) available to the majority

Think Safe Camp Responder Bag (FV845) with Rugged AED

of the camp population, within the timeframe recommended by authoritative sources, and managed by trained personnel? The AED may be located on the camp property or available through another provider. ]

Think Safe can help your organization with AED funding and placement assistance:  AED grants.  Contact our AED GRANT DEPARMENT at grants@think-safe.com for more information and best pricing or match funding for your AED purchase needs.

Contact our industry experts at 888-473-1777 for our special CAMP AED PACKAGE or funding/grant assistance!

Customer LifeSaving Event Post-Event Review

HeartSine ECG (click on this link and link on next page to see an actual scanned ECG record of a lifesaving event) One of our customers recently used their HeartSine samaritan HS01 AED to save the life of a fitness club member!

What does all of the attached ECG picture and lines mean?

It took about 1 second to put on the AED pads after turning on the device.  It took the HeartSine about 8 seconds to analyze and recommend shock.  It took 5 seconds for the employees to stand clear and press the shock button.  Shock 1 was administered about 16 seconds into the rescue/response.

CPR then commenced.  You can see the effectiveness of the CPR and then the patient’s heartbeat restored.  At just past 2 minutes from initial use of the AED, EMS arrived and removed the AED pads, placing on their own pads.

The EMS confirmed that the AED being used so quickly was part of the reason the patient survived. The in-house response time was just under 2-3 minutes from time of collapse to time AED arrived on scene to use. WITH EVERY MINUTE THAT ELAPSES, CHANCES OF SURVIVAL DECREASE BY 10%!

This AED was used in a fitness club, in a metro area, response time for EMS was just under 6 minutes from time of 9-1-1 initial call.

This data was pulled from the AED using event review software that is included FREE with the equipment sold by Think Safe.  A medical director for the fitness club was sent the information for their interpretation and for use by the patient’s medical doctors.

Truly, AEDs are powerful lifesaving devices! The only way to reduce the 300,000 plus death toll on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (the nation’s largest killer) is to increase public knowledge on AEDs and improve AED placements for quick and effective defibrillation response for victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).  With average national EMS response times being 8-10 minutes, workplaces and places of high risk for SCA need to purchase AEDs in order to protect their employees or members.

To find out more about how your organization can easily install and implement an AED or AED program; please call us at 888-473-1777.  Our company can arrange for someone to visit you or your facility or we can speak with you over the phone.  All of our AED packages come with the following at no extra charge:  Prescription (Rx), AED Administrator Toolkit (inspection tags, checklists, drills, placement surveys and install direction, AED acquirer compliance checklists to state laws, post-event review technical assistance and more….

Contact one of our AED experts at:  888-473-1777 or info@firstvoice.us for more information and help.

20 Year Reunion with 1st person saved by AED in Wisconsin!

Has it been that long?…..

[AEDs have been on the market about 20 years! Their prices have gone from $5,000 to $1,200-$1,500.  Their weight and size has been cut in half at least.  Yet, there is one commonality - they are still lifesaving equipment!]

Twenty years ago Wednesday, Waukesha Wisconsin firefighters Todd Laurent and Jeff Schulz saved Chuck Krebs’ life, using what was a brand new defibrillator at the time.  Chuck and his wife Jackie spent Wednesday evening thanking the men who saved him.

Chuck is the first person in Wisconsin saved by a defibrillator!  He had a heart attack and collapsed while at work inside his garage in Waukesha.  He was pronounced dead, but the firefighters arrived promptly and used the defibrillator to bring Chuck back to life.  Chuck returned to a normal life thanks to his heroes.  To read more:   

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/89081037.html

AED Site Risk Assessment: Part2

AED Site Risk Assessment

Many times we get asked at Think Safe the question, “How much risk do I have for someone  having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) here?”

In the previous blog post we spoke about determining the level of risk at your facility and if your facility was at higher risk for having a SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) event. We also provided a list of higher risk facilities.

If you want to now move on to assessment tools, here are some questions to answer:

1) Is it unlikely that the existing EMS system would be able to reliably achieve a “call- to-shock” interval of five minutes or less at this site?

2) Has an SCA incident occurred at this site in the past five years and have the demographics of the population served by this site remained relatively constant?

3) Do 10,000 or more persons regularly gather at this location?

4) Does this site have a large concentration of persons over 50 years old?

5) Is there a high probability of SCA at this site based upon this formula:

A. Take the number of individuals at your location and multiply this number by the % of people age 50 or over.
B. Multiply this number by the average number of hours spent at the location each day.
C. Multiply this number by 350 if the location is residential or 250 if the location is non-residential.
D. If your answer is 600,000 or higher, your location has a high probability of SCA.

If you answered YES to any of the above questions you are at higher risk of having an SCA event and you need to talk to our technical experts or a local rep by contacting 888-473-1777 or info@think-safe.com.

Think Safe can provide a full AED Site Assessment Survey for your use and one of our local representatives would be happy to perform on onsite AED placement assessment.  Think Safe’s First Voice product line includes a full line of AEDs and AED accessories.  From low cost and rugged solutions our product catalog has what you need to put in place an effective and protective AED program.

Think Safe, Inc. * 1105 Hawkeye Drive * Hiawatha, IA  52233 * 888-473-1777 * www.firstvoice.us

Automated External Defibrillator Programs

AED Site Risk Assessment

Many times we get asked at Think Safe the question, “How much risk do I have for someone  having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) here?”

Due to the number of deaths every year and SCA events that occur, we like it when people appear to be educated that it is only a matter of time – at some point we are all likely to experience or witness a SCA event.  Again, we are talking about the nation’s biggest killer; affecting over 300,000 people in the US annually and killing more people than all forms of cancer combined!

The following information might provide you some helpful insight to determining your levels of risk.  What are the most likely places to have SCA events occur? Some studies have shown a higher incidence in certain locations, listed below.

· Airports
· Community/senior citizen centers
· Dialysis centers
· Ferries/train terminals
· Golf courses
· Health centers/gyms
· Cardiology, internal and family medicine practices, and urgent care centers
· Jails
· Large industrial sites
· Large shopping malls
· Nursing homes
· Private businesses
· Sports/events complexes

Watch for our next blog post on AED Site Risk Assessment for key questions to ask.

Automated External Defibrillator Programs

To see more information about how to assess your risk, contact us at 888-473-1777 or info@think-safe.com.  We can provide you a complimentary (NO CHARGE) AED site risk assessment survey.  If you would like, we can send a local rep to your facility for a NO CHARGE placement assessment as well.

The Think Safe First Voice product line includes a comprehensive AED package that protects our distributors and customers and includes:  AED Administrator Toolkit, AED inspection tag, AED Inspection Checklist, AED Acquirer State Civil Liability Immunity Laws Compliance Checklist, and more….  www.firstvoice.us

FIRST VOICE™ ON-THE-GO WITH BACKPACK FIRST AID SYSTEM

Leading the way in multilingual workplace technology-aided first aid response

Hiawatha, Iowa, August 13, 2009 – Think Safe delivers state-of-the art upgraded first aid innovations consistently, while maintaining its track record of meeting and exceeding industry standards. The Backpack+AED Self-contained Emergency Treatment (SET) System is one of those innovations, providing a compact and low cost-of-ownership rugged AED, color-coded first aid supply bags, and the highly endorsed* Emergency Instruction Device (EID) – all packaged in an ergonomic, easy-to-restock backpack system.

Donnie Linder, a doctor of emergency medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital – one of the nation’s Top 100 Heart Hospitals – says that the system is comprehensive and a key first aid tool to supplement CPR and first aid training. “With over 3.8 million disabling workplace injuries and over 250,000 Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) deaths in the US annually, and first aid and CPR skills studies showing only a six-week retention, First Voice provides a quality solution for the retention problem and the failure to have the right supplies immediately accessible.” In a SCA event, studies show that a 4-minute or less time to defibrillation is one of the keys to survival and recovery of the victim.

“Our Backpack+AED SET System has incredible ergonomic value and easy to find color-coded supplies matching our First Voice EID’s audible and visual coaching prompts,” says CEO/President of Think Safe Paula Wickham. “This system is designed for any workplace or public venue that is expected to comply with OSHA’s general industry and workplace first aid and AED requirements or recommendations.”

The Backpack+AED SET System steps a responder through all major and minor first aid events with clear and calm multi-step instructions utilizing the EID and the coordinating first aid supplies. The rugged AED is housed in a clear, front-facing pocket for quick access in an emergency. The system is available from select distributors including CPR and First Aid Training Centers or first aid supplies and safety distributors nationally. More information can be found online.

All protocols within the system are compliant with 2005 approved ECC/American Heart Association and American Red Cross First Aid and CPR protocols. With a recently added new EID “Language” button responders can now hear emergency instructions in Spanish or English, with the capability of 20 or more additional languages available. The contents of the color-coded first aid supply bags allow the Backpack+AED SET System to meet and exceed OSHA and ANSI’s newly updated 2008 first aid compliance standards.

*endorsed by the American Lifeguard Association

About Think Safe Inc

Think Safe Inc is committed to setting new standards for comprehensive emergency readiness and response. Manufacturing products for complete injury management and providing services that improve access to first aid and CPR training, Think Safe Inc products and services are a good fit for corporate and industrial environments, parks and recreational facilities, schools, convention and sport centers, remote or high-risk locations, and a host of other public gathering places. Think Safe Inc offers its patent pending systems in a variety of models, from a dedicated portable unit to software for computers and mobile devices. A selection of lightweight, portable cases and bags is available to meet various space, use, and environmental needs. For details about Think Safe Inc and its products, call Jen Mittan at 319-377-5125 or visit online.

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Transportation Liabilities: Sudden Cardiac Arrest without an AED Onsite

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in this country. According to the American Heart Association, SCA claims the lives of over 250,000 people each year – more than all forms of cancer combined.

There is a 4-minute window to defibrillate a person back to life. With paramedics often unable to get to the scene in that time, lives are lost.”A million things can occur to delay 911 responses, such as traffic and remote locations that make it impossible for a paramedic to get to a victim on time,” says Dave Magruder, a former firefighter and paramedic who now trains people on using AEDs. “And for every minute a person experiences SCA without defibrillation, his or her survival rate drops by 7 to 10 percent.”

If a customer suffers Sudden Cardiac Arrest, are you at risk for not having a defibrillator on hand? The answer to this question is of course a topic of some interest to all in the transportation industry today. The consensus among many experts today, is that increasingly your company is in jeopardy after this type of situation. Because of the litigious nature of our society a perception exists, in the mind of the public, that transportation industry providers should be prepared for such eventualities. The Massachusetts Transit Authority $3.9Million lawsuit settlement is a perfect example of the liability you face. The industry clearly is setting a standard of practice to provide AEDs to their customers.

The $3.9 million settlement in case is alleging that MBTA commuter train personnel failed to stop the train to seek emergency medical attention for a passenger suffering cardiac arrest, despite repeated requests and warnings by the other passengers that the man was not breathing and required immediate medical attention. Instead, the train personnel continued to make the scheduled stops and allowed nearly 20 minutes to pass before eventually arriving at the final destination. Tragically, emergency medical attention was provided too late and the passenger died shortly thereafter. “Family settles with ‘T,’ Amtrak for $3.9 million

Is it worth risking a life to not be fully prepared by not having an AED or because you are worried about AED liability? Of course it isn’t.

For information on Think Safe’s AED solutions contact our AED Expert James Moroney.