Defibrillation is the only proven therapy to restore a normal heartbeat after cardiac arrest. The inaccessibility of defibrillators makes it difficult to save a person during the critical two to three minutes after cardiac arrest, and unfortunately, the average response time for defibrillator-equipped and trained emergency medical personnel is more than 10 minutes in many cities. Survivalink Corporation's FirstSave AED is a device that is capable of identifying life-threatening heart rhythms that can be converted by electric shocks. To ensure proper usage, the AED has visual and audible prompts that guide the user through the rescue process. Once the lid is opened, the FirstSave AED automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and, if a shockable rhythm is identified, automatically charges to deliver a shock with the push of only one button.
Training is already underway to prepare employees to use the equipment in the event of an emergency.
At present, Rockwell Automation facilities outside North America are being evaluated on the basis of their needs and governmental requirements regarding AEDs. Since the Minneapolis-based company's first AED received market clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1995, Survivalink estimates that its AEDs have been used to save nearly 2,000 lives. Corporations, as well as police and fire departments, airlines and public facilities use Survivalink AEDs around the world. As an operating unit of Rockwell Automation, Power Systems offers Dodge mechanical power transmission products and Reliance Electric motors and drives. Rockwell Automation's unique Complete Automation approach to helping customers achieve a competitive advantage is supported by thousands of authorized partners, distributors and solution providers around the world.