AEDs: Saving Lives in a Heartbeat What would happen if someone in your facility experienced sudden cardiac arrest? It can happen at any time, to people of any age and affects roughly 350,000 people every year. If you don't have an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby, you could be reducing the victim’s chance of survival. AEDs analyze a heart's rhythm and, if deemed necessary, deliver an electrical shock. This shock, known as defibrillation, helps the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. For each minute that defibrillation is delayed, the victim's chance of survival drops by 10 percent – critical time that can slip away waiting for a first response team.1 The Red Cross believes that all Americans should be within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it. AEDs are the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. The Red Cross recommends using them in combination with CPR for the most effective results.1 Fortunately, today's AEDs are easy to operate, even for people with no medical background. They are lightweight, portable and increasingly affordable. There are even units that talk the user through the procedure, helping to reduce stress and panic. To learn more about AED options for your facility, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com. Reference 1 American Red Cross. Learn About Automated External Defibrillators. Available at: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/workplace/easy-as-aed. Accessed April 17, 2014.

CMS: Nursing Homes Achieved Antipsychotic Reduction Goal CMS has announced that nursing homes have succeeded in reducing antipsychotic use by more than 15 percent, achieving the primary goal of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes. The initiative, which was announced in 2012, joined together private and public organizations to educate providers and help them transition residents off antipsychotics. The 15 percent reduction goal was achieved in every state. While the reduction is a step in the right direction, one in five residents in long-term care is still on an antipsychotic, showing the need for additional progress. CMS plans to set a new goal for 2014 now that the initial goal has been met. To learn more, click here.

The Philips HeartStart OnSite Defibrillator is the first and only AED available without a prescription. It is designed to be the easiest to set up and the most reliable defibrillator available. Like all HeartSmart Defibrillators, it can be used to treat infants and children as well as adults. Additional Features: Weighs just 3.3 lbs 2.8" D x 7.4" H x 8.3" W Uses clear, calm voice instructions to guide the user through each step of defibrillation, including CPR coaching Integrated SMART Pads placed on the victim's bare skin sense and adapt the defibrillator's instructions to the user's actions Arrives with pads cartridge and battery already installed Determines if a heart rhythm is shockable Advises user to call emergency services Patented QuickShock makes the OnSite among the fastest in its class at delivering a shock after CPR Performs daily automatic self tests WARRANTY: Unit: Eight years; Battery: Four years

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