Survival rules

At the end of 2015, automated external defibrillators, commonly known as AEDs, were added to the list of required emergency medical equipment. Due to the high footfall at dental surgeries, and the nature of many dental procedures, cardiac arrest was recognised as a very real threat to patients. However, following this, many practice teams are not fully aware of cardiac arrest, its threats and what they must do to align themselves with this new ruling. Along with this, there is also a worry of purchasing the wrong machine in a panic.

To give some background, AEDs allow for necessary treatment to be provided to a patient following a cardiac arrest. As the UK's biggest killer, cardiac arrest affects more than 140,000 people of all ages each year. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the bloodstream, a cardiac arrest is an electrical problem and therefore requires a ‘shock’ to correct. Quick defibrillation is essential as it is the only way to restart a heart following a cardiac arrest – CPR is not enough. Immediate access to a defibrillator is not only a requirement for dental surgeries, but is essential in providing a person with the best chance of survival following a cardiac arrest. If a shock is provided within five minutes, the chances of survival are 75%. However, after this time, the odds of a successful resuscitation fall significantly, becoming practically zero after 10 minutes. All staff must be aware of where the defibrillator is and how to use it in case of an emergency. Using an AED is extremely simple, but it is strongly advised training is received when the defibrillator is installed.