"Capt. JG" wrote in message
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"Paul" wrote in message
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"Capt. JG" wrote in message
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"Wayne.B" wrote in message
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On Sun, 08 Apr 2007 19:26:16 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

How many of you cruisers carry an automatic defibrillator onboard as
part of your emergency medical supplies?

I've heard of a few but I'm not yet among them. How much training is
required to use them correctly, and how large are they?

Virtually no training is actually required, as they "talk" you though
using it on someone. It won't shock the person unless it determines it's
needed. There is some minor danger if you're touching the person, e.g.,
you don't listen to the warning to stand clear.

You can take a CPR class throught the RX that gives you the
certification, but here in Cal (possibly elsewhere) the Good Samaritan
laws protect people who use them.

I beleive their now about $1500 and not very big at all.

So what is the prognosis for the typical defib parient? Prior to last
summer's trip from California to Hawaii and back, I discussed heart
attack care with a doctor, and he wasn't too optimistic. He told me that
unless the patient could receive prompt follow-up treatment, the odds of
a successful recovery were pretty bad. Since we were at worst many days
away from outside medical help, I didn't pursue the defib unit (and some
of the crew were old enough that it might have been warranted).

Any opinions?

-Paul



That's my understanding also. They have them on planes, with the
expectation that they'll be landing soon. I think it would be better than
nothing, and it might save someone's life. Without it the odds aren't that
great either. g

When I was in the volunteer fire dept, we had the typical "first-responder"
training in CPR, and the percentages weren't that great, even with prompt
follow-up. I suppose there are many conditions that could trigger an event
requiring defib or CPR, and some of these cases may respond better than
others.

And, as you say, at least the odds improve with defib, vs not having it.
Still, that philosophy applies to most of our safety gear, and at some point
you just can't carry any more stuff "just in case". You have to prioritize.
So far, the defib system hasn't made the cut for me, but that could change
(especially as I get older!). Then again, the doctor I spoke with was using
phrases like "vegetative state", so I suppose more research is in order.

-Paul