Defibrillator at Moab

[Tom]

In the unlikely event that someone at the Moab rally has a need, Al & Judy Griefer have a defibrillator on board. They are in site 12.

FWIW our cruising boat club has a full emergency medical kit, including a defribillator, kept aboard the boat of the cruise leaders. The same boat flies a red cross flag so everyone knows where the medical kit is located. That club is fortunate enough to have paramedics, medial doctors, nurses and veterinarians among the membership.

Just food for thought for forum rallies.

 

[BernieD]

In the unlikely event that someone at the Moab rally has a need, Al & Judy Griefer have a defibrillator on board. They are in site 12.

Good to know. Speaking from experience, I can say that the ER at the Moab hospital is very good. The hospital is only 5-10 minutes away. Highway 191 to 500 West (turn right at Denny's), about 1/2 mile to 400 Street (stop sign) and right to hospital on left.

 

[Tom]

Thanks for the directions to the hospital Bernie. Hope your "experience" wasn't for anything serious.

 

[Smoky]

Is a defibrillator something the average person can operate or do you need someone with special training?

 

[Tom]

Good question Smoky. These units are relatively easy to use. Open the case and they start talking to you, walking you through every step. They could certainly save a life while waiting for professional help to arrive.

 

[AlGriefer]

Is a defibrillator something the average person can operate or do you need someone with special training?

It's supposedly foolproof and expects the operator not to know anything about it other than to pull the handle on its face.  It tells you step by step what to do and even repeats and slows down if you are moving slowly.  It won't actually shock the person unless it reads a heart problem it can help AND the operator presses a button.

They're made by Phillips and are still a bit expensive, but who can estimate what they're worth!  Among others, Amazon.com sells them.

Al

 

[John From Detroit]

I"m not at Mohab but I am trained in use of the defilibrator (Well, Lifepack usints at least)

All the AED's (Automatic Electronic Defiliberators) I've seen had very easily understood instructions and drawings of how to apply the pads to the patient easily seen when you open the case.  All of them  I believe it is one of the requirements before they can be sold

Very useful devices

And folks.. If you have not already done so check with the Red Cross, or your local Fire Dept or Police Dept about CPR classes.  Or, in my case, my church.  If your church does not offer these classes.... Make noise till they do.

The life you save by taking the class will likely not be your own... But could be someone you love

The life you save by convincing your church to offer the class may well be your own (or someone you love)

 

[Smoky]

Very interesting!

I was wondering how an average person would even know when or when not to use one.  But Al has explained that they apparently diagnose the "victim" and will only operate if they see a problem the machine can correct.  Sounds pretty cool and foolproof.

In running charter boats on the Chesapeake, we have to be CPR certified.  I suspect it won't be long before the CG requires commercial operators to have one of these on board.  ;D

 

[BernieD]

Thanks for the directions to the hospital Bernie. Hope your "experience" wasn't for anything serious.

Tom

Well, I guess that serious is as serious does   My coumadin level spiked, so probably between that and a mild infection, I had a bad GERD attack. Marlene and I were very impressed with the quality and service of the staff at the ER.

 

[Bob Maxwell]

Tom,

Wherever I am, I always have my defibrillator with me 24x7. It costs $100k and that's probably more then the Griefer's.

I can't let anyone use it. If you're with me and I need it, no instructions required but to pick me up off the floor once I've caught my breath and settled down. If it defibs again, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!  ;D ;D ;D

[the bionic Chaplain and Virtual Campfire host]

 

[Tom]

LOL Bob, you're obviously talking about an implant. Al's defib is intended for folks who weren't previously diagnosed and has a surprise problem.

FWIW I used to supply chips to one of the pacemaker manufacturers. Having toured their factory, all I can say is I'm glad I don't have one of them in me  ;D  But, if the need arises, I suppose I'll be glad to have one.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

I suspect it won't be long before the CG requires commercial operators to have one of these on board.  ;D

Smoky,

A lot of airlines are starting to carry them on their aircraft. Some airports are starting to hang them on walls like fire extinguishers. The security staff at most all Las Vegas casinos also have them. They're becoming quite common.

P.S.  According to Datastormusers, I see you're still at Surprise. Is it getting lonely there?  ;D  ;D  ;D

 

[rhmahoney]

Happy Trails in Surprise AZ has them in the public bldgs.

 

[John From Detroit]

Smoky,

A lot of airlines are starting to carry them on their aircraft.

I kind of suspect that is a requirement.  Also, it is required that flight attendants (at least one on each plane) be properly trained.  Not that it takes much training

 

[Smoky]

Wow!  One hundred grand for one?  That is definitely out of my league!  Pretty expensive device.

 

[Bob Maxwell]

Smoky,

Tom nailed it when he wrote: "LOL Bob, you're obviously talking about an implant." I have a Medtronic ICD [internal cardiac device]making me truly bionic. I foget it's there mos of the time.  I'm sure the external devices are less expensive, but not as available. I like redundancy. For example I did a George Mullen today and have both suspenders and a belt.  ;D

 

[Ned]

Bob,

It's like most things, the hardware is the least part of the cost.  It's the labor for installation that runs up the bill

 

[Bob Maxwell]

Actuially, Ned, that's the cost of the little device in the box. And only a Medtronic tech who comes there to the pacer lab is allowed to hold it and then calibrate it right before the Dr. inserts it in the chest. There's a number of law suits over pre-2003 models and Medtronic wants total control of their liability.

By it not having to work until needed [and hopefully I wont need it] I might make 5 years before a battery change. It is a proven life extender in cases like mine, so I appreciate that a lot. We've only been married 22 years and want to make 25 for certain and 35 if possible.

 

[Ned]

I'll bet Karl could build one for less than $100,000   We also hope it works for many battery changes.

 

[Karl]

As Ned said:

It's like most things, the hardware is the least part of the cost.  It's the labor for installation that runs up the bill Smiley

That, and the huge costs of accellerated lifetime testing, approval, and certification too.

Bob,
Maybe by the time you need a battery replacement, they'll have an implantible fuel cell ready for some in-vitro beta testing. If caring and compassion were the fuel, you'd be good to go for many years!