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Talking About Care From Health Clinics

Hi there, I'm Kira Shepherd. When my kids were little, I spent a lot of time at the health care clinic. Children need an exam when they hurt themselves or run a high fever. Any other distressing symptoms are also best explored by a qualified physician. Thankfully, my local health care clinic always helped reassure me that the kids were healthy and developing well. I will share information about common diagnostic procedures and treatments performed at health care clinics. I will talk about alternatives, like going to the hospital or treating at home. My site will cover common symptoms and complications caused by a wide range of illness and injuries. Please visit my site often to learn more information. Thank you.

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Talking About Care From Health Clinics

Implementing A Defibrillator In Your Clinic

by Jack Long

The decision to purchase a defibrillator is an important one for the safety of your patients and clients.  While one option may not be better than another, it is best to consider the environment in which it will be used, and the comfort level of those operating it.

Types of Defibrillators

There are 3 main types of defibrillators: an Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). 

ALS units have electrical currents that can be manually controlled by the operator, both in intensity and frequency.  These are best for hospitals and environments with highly trained medical professionals.

ICDs are internal defibrillators implanted into a patient's body who is at high risk of death by ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia.

AEDs are the units that are recommended for use by the lay person, or those with a basic level of medical training.  The American Heart Association encourages businesses to implement AEDs for the safety of their customers, and to make sure they have a system in place for its use.  In order to implement an AED system in your clinic, there are a few things you'll need to know.

Medical Advisory

For the purchase of an AED, you will need a physician's prescription.  That physician will need to oversee trainings for its use, as well as policies and procedures for your AED program.  He or she will also evaluate data that is recorded on the AED in order to ensure its proper use over time.

Additionally, it will be important to coordinate your AED program with local EMS systems.  This will provide the opportunity for shared information in and after an emergency, to determine what treatments have been administered.

Liability

You'll want to know that liability for the use of an AED is limited for any company putting it to use.  In all states, AEDs are part of the Good Samaritan laws, which can provide limited immunity to those using the AED, as well as those who have purchased it.  Be sure to review your state's Good Samaritan laws to know the specifics of any AED laws.

Cost

Lastly, when considering which AED to purchase for a clinic like Halifax Heart Center, be sure to know the budget within which you are working.  The cost can range from $1200 to $3000.  Differences in AEDs are many, including water resistance, size, display options, upgrades, and included accessories. 

If you wish to keep backup accessories on hand, such as spare pads and batteries, and an AED cabinet, this can be included in the price.  The price may also include training, medical direction, and replacement of accessories. 

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