Technological Advancements in Health and Safety

When it comes to technological advancements, these days people are often negative or even indifferent. We think it’s a shame as we believe it’s an inspiring time for technology, especially for tech that helps to save more lives.
For example, did you know there are more public Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) than ever before?
Although there’s still work to do, it’s impressive to see how much progress has been made. Let’s take a look at a few important advancements in Health and Safety.
Smart Software for AED Program Management
Large organisations often have multiple AEDs in various locations, which makes it harder to keep track of the devices and manage them effectively.
But there are now handy pieces of software to help with this. As well as being much easier to manage than a spreadsheet, AED-related software responds in real time and comes with impressive features.
For example, AED manufacturer ZOLL has its own specialist AED Program management software which reminds users when batteries and pads are expiring so you can ensure your AEDs are always ready if the worst ever happens.
High-Tech AED’s That Go Above and Beyond
Most AEDs these days come with some pretty amazing features including long-lasting batteries (some lasting up to 7 years) and voice prompts to guide both trained and untrained users through CPR and the defibrillation process.
However, some manufacturers have gone even further to develop new features to help save more lives.
For example, the LIFEPAK CR2 boasts an industry-first feature known as cprINSIGHT that allows users to continue with chest compressions, whilst the defibrillator analyses the patient’s heart rhythm.
Therefore, this small, but effective feature enables the defibrillator to make a ‘shock’ or ‘no shock’ decision whilst the responder is delivering treatment, thus significantly reducing the ‘hands-off’ time.
Also, the Powerheart G5 has a built-in memory that can help both the victim and help save future lives.
This AED’s built-in memory can record up to 90 minutes of ECG, CPR and overall rescue data. This helps medical professionals to determine the best possible post-cardiac care following the rescue. It also means that the UK Resuscitation Council can collect and analyse this workable data to produce valuable research to save more lives in the future.
Many AEDs also include their own special features that can tailor the defibrillation energy to each patient’s needs.
Lifesaving Apps to Help Anyone and Everyone
There are now more apps than ever available to help people learn first-aid and learn what to do in an emergency.
There is one incredible app called GoodSAM. This can alert and dispatch a nearby Smartphone Activated Medic (SAM) to the emergency while the ambulance is on route. There are over 40,000 trained and trusted volunteer responders connected to the app so far.
Other smart apps include Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Save a Life app, which can help you find nearby AEDs, and the Resuscitation Council’s award-winning and research-driven Lifesaver app, which can help you to remember what to do when someone falls victim to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
Microsoft and the British Heart Foundation’s Defibrillator Map
Did you know that there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in the UK, but less than 1 in 10 people survive these?
This is one of the main reasons why we at defibshop do what we do.
There also many other organisations out there helping too, including the British Heart Foundation and world-renowned tech giant Microsoft.
In 2018, they, along with the NHS, teamed up for an ambitious project that aimed to make the UK a much safer place.
Despite thousands of AEDs being placed prominently in workplaces, train stations, leisure centres and public places across the country, members of the public and ambulance services often struggle to know where the nearest device can be found.
This is why the British Heart Foundation, the NHS, and Microsoft have teamed up for a 12-month project to develop a comprehensive map of all AEDs across the UK.
You can help now by registering your AED to your nearest Ambulance network.
How can we help
Interested in hearing more about how tech can be used to save lives?
defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay.Learn more about defibrillators