Operation Revive AED Project

Welcome to the IHLF AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Project named Operation Revive! One of our primary initiatives is to provide interested individual, businesses and organizations with the resources and information to obtain and maintain an AED so that it’s ready when needed.

Cardiac Arrest facts

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heartbeat stops abruptly and unexpectedly. This usually is caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF), an abnormality in the heart's electrical system. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain the heart and the rest of the body, and the person collapses. In fact, the victim is clinically dead and will remain so unless someone helps immediately. A quick combination of CPR and defibrillation can restore life.

What Are the Risk Factors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

There are many risk factors that can increase a person's risk of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death, including the following:

• Previous heart attack with a large area of the heart damaged (75% of SCD cases are linked to a previous heart attack).
• A person's risk of SCD is higher during the first 6 months after a heart attack.
• Coronary artery disease (80% of SCD cases are linked with this disease).
• Risk factors for coronary artery disease include smoking, family history of heart disease, and high cholesterol.

The basics of Automated External defibrillators:
Information to help you get started

What is an AED?

An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that delivers an electric shock to the heart of a person in cardiac arrest. The device is very simple to operate since it gives verbal instructions on how to use it. All you have to remember is to turn it on. The AED is a "smart" device and will only deliver a shock when it is needed.

When a person collapses in cardiac arrest the heart is often in a rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. This rhythm is fatal unless an AED is applied which can stop the fatal rhythm and change it to a normal rhythm. An electric shock delivered quickly by an AED can be lifesaving.

An AED should be used whenever you see a person collapse or become unconsciousness and who does not respond to your shouting or shaking. It should also be used if you come upon a collapsed person even if you didn't see that person collapse.

Speed is crucial. The AED must be attached as quickly as possible. Call 911, tell the operator you have an AED and then bring it to the collapsed person. Turn it on and follow verbal directions. Every minute of delay decreases the person's chances of survival by 7% to10%.

How to use an AED

Revolutionary Video Display is now available to guide you through the steps of using an AED.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  While other defibrillators tell you what to do, there are new AEDs that show you, using the full power and clarity of video, in full motion color.

Apply for an AED Grant

Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for an AED grant. Applications are due by Monday, May 13, 2013.  Send applications and signed guidelines to:

IHLF AED Grants
Suite 4500
1302 Franklin Ave.
Normal, IL.  61761

• Download the guidelines [must be signed and included with application]
• Download the application

Where to buy AED Supplies

• www.cardiopartners.com/ [Cardio Partners Resources]
• www.aedsuperstore.com [AED Superstore]

Training

• www.advocatehealth.com [Advocate BroMenn]
  Jan Berlin: 309-268-5138
• www.osfstjoseph.org [OSF St. Joseph]
  Michelle Brown: 309-661-5154

Contact us

Please contact IHLF for information about getting an AED for your organization.