Many people have surely stared at a box on the wall labeled AED and wondered if they could make lifesaving use if someone collapsed.
Unfortunately, AEDs — automated external defibrillators — often don’t get used effectively. About 4 million have been put in buildings and public spaces. Yet the number of people saved from sudden cardiac death hasn’t risen correspondingly.
It’s not because AEDs don’t work. It’s because of reasons such as people not realizing one was available or being unable or hesitant to carry out the necessary steps which also include CPR.