On OpenStreetMap, there’s an emergency=defibrillator object. It can be tagged with information like opening hours (e.g. if it’s inside a location that’s only open certain hours), a description of the location (“at the front desk”), etc.
For example, on the Android/iOS app OsmAnd, you can select ‘Defibrillator’ as a point of interest (POI) Additionally, choosing ‘Healthcare’ POI type will show not just hospitals, clinics, etc., but also AED locations.
Other emergency devices, like emergency phones, are also mappable.
Why YSK: quick access to defibrillators can save lives and significantly improve quality-of-life outcomes. The more complete this data is, the more useful somebody can actually expect it to be in an emergency. Even if the data isn’t queried during the emergency, seeing it on the map could help users know where they are ahead of time.
You should also know that using them is not scary. You can’t do it wrong if you follow the spoken instructions. It will not shock anyone if it’s not needed.
Imidiately starting CPR and using an AED improves the survivability of a stopped heart manyfold.
If you need one you can just grab one from the nearest place. Don’t bother asking. Don’t be scared of doing something wrong. It’s better than doing nothing.
I’m CPR trained with many recerts over the years. AEDs do everything for you, you just have to apply the pads in the correct spot (every AED has a visual diagram) and press the big button. They’re intentionally designed to be easy to use now.
Also, get CPR certified. Takes an hour or two at most and you could save a life.
Taps you on the shoulder…! Hey hey buddy are you okay!!! No response… proceeds to CPR. No response…you! Get me the AED!!!..continues CPR…you! Call 911!!!.. continues CPR.
Completely agreed! I’ve used a few in practice sessions and they are quite easy. The one thing to be aware of is that you do need to get the sticky electrodes in the right place. There is a simple diagram showing where they go. But you will need to get under their shirt and bra to place them, so make sure you’re not pulling down a strangers clothes for the wrong reasons.
Depends where you live. Pretty sure here you need a code to open it which you can get while calling for an ambulance and they direct you to the nearest one.
It’s a mix here. Those in private businesses tend to be open and easy to grab. The ones in a box on a street corner are code locked.
I suspect it makes sense. The slight delay would be fairly minimal. You are likely on the phone to emergency services already.
It’s quite effective at stopping people messing with them however. Unfortunately, it only takes a few idiots to ruin things. Both thieves and bored teenagers could take an interest in them, and render them useless. A simple code lock makes it clear it’s not to be touched without need.
I’ve not looked closely enough to see if any have a “break glass” type access system as well.
Wow, that sucks. A few minutes can be the difference between life and death during these events. I would be so fucking mad (and litigious) if my wife died because someone couldn’t get the AED open since they didn’t have some magic code.
Here, they’re programmed not to shock if they don’t detect a shockable heart rhythm, so there’s pretty low risk as long as the spoken instructions are listened and adhered to. They were even easier to use than I thought they would be when I took my first aid training.
Why is someone looking for an AED and not calling for an ambulance? Delayed ambulance response is more likely to result in death.
The person getting the AED and the person on the phone with emergency services might not be the same.