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Are Over-the-Counter Defibrillators Changing Emergency Response? Previously only available with a doctor’s prescription, automatic external defibrillators are now widely available to buy over-the-counter, thanks to a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration decision that deemed the devices safe for consumers to buy and use. But do people really know how to use them? According to an article by Nancy Case on NurseZone.com, the FDA recently approved a home-based unit called “HeartStart” from Philips Medical Systems for sale over-the counter. In a statement, the FDA said, “In order for FDA to grant over-the-counter marketing clearance, Philips had to demonstrate that its device could be safely and effectively used by lay people based on written instructions and the device itself.” However, Beverly Zoglio, a registered nurse and home health care provider in Concord, New Hampshire, told Case that the same principles that apply to CPR practices should apply to the training for home use of a defibrillator. The process of CPR is the same with or without a defibrillator on hand. Zoglio also told Case that the devices “really are foolproof and simple for families to learn how to use in that everything is color coded and a voice talks you through the procedure, including instruction if the process should be repeated.” The article also says a common mistake people make in using defibrillators is to apply the electrically-charged pads over clothing. Case says the pads must make good contact with bare skin to be effective. To read the full article, click here: h |
