Advancements In the History of Automated External Defibrillator
An alternating current was used in conjunction with earlier models of the AED. In 1947, one of the first AEDs was used on a human with successful results. Newer modifications of the AED opened doors to safer procedures such as closed chest defibrillation, where electrodes were sent via the chest wall of tested laboratory animals. The method was then applied to human patients and ended up successful.
In the history of automated external defibrillator, three more devices emerged together with CPR. The devices used alternating current techniques and required surgery. The surgery that had to be performed before the application of the these devices sounded inconvenient and daunting to many.
Hence the development of closed chest direct current defibrillators, which caused less-serious side effects and was more effective. In this case, electrodes were applied externally. Later on, new designs for both internal and external application emerged.
Accessibility
The history of automated external defibrillator contains a significant change in accessibility. In the beginning, the AED was being used among scientists and researches hoping to find ways to treat conditions linked with sudden death in individuals. Early studies were conducted around power utility workers, who had one of the highest mortality rates due to ventricular fibrillation.
Medical establishments were then finally able to use modified versions of AEDs. During this time only doctors and other medical staff were able to use AEDs on patients. For example, the AED was commonly used in the ambulance during emergencies.
Much later in the history of automated external defibrillator, AEDs are being situated in public environments such as schools, transportation stations, hotels and malls. Places that had higher risks of serious heart conditions usually now have AEDs available. High-risk places include work environments mainly consisting male employees aged over 50. Accessibility of AEDs in these places is vital in urgent circumstances.
In the modern day AEDs can be easily purchased and placed in the home. This has given relief to patients who are staying at home and are not located in hospitals. Then again, some medical specialists are concerned over the unprofessional use of AED on patients.
In the beginning of the history of automated external defibrillator, the thought of using defibrillation at home seemed vague. But since its introduction to public environments a growing number of individuals have embraced the idea of the home use of defibrillators. The devices are now accessible in both medical and commercial institutions.