Mark talks about defibrillators on KGW
click here for the story on KGW.com
Life-saving defibs now more accessible in Oregon
Monday, June 16, 2008
By JANE SMITH, kgw.com
Blair Jones says an automated external defibrillator could have saved his son’s life.
The 12-year-old Graeme died from sudden cardiac arrest eight years ago.
Now he keeps an AED at home for his wife and daughter who were both diagnosed with the same heart condition that killed his son.
Three years ago the state passed a law making them available in schools and required in health clubs. Jones worked with Oregon State Senator Mark Hass to make AED’s more accessible.
Now Hass wants to go a step further and make them required in public buildings.
"I've always said AED's are the 21st Century of fire extinguishers. They're not used very often but when they are they'll save lives," he said.
Medtronic
LIFEPAK� 500 Automated External Defibrillator.
Portland fire paramedic Rich Chatman agrees. He says early shocks before emergency crews get to a scene are vital.
"That four to six minute window is really critical. When someone goes down from a heart attack their brain and their heart are no longer receiving oxygenated blood," said Chatman.
But there is a cost.
AED’s can run anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. But for Jones, that’s no comparison to the price of losing his son.
"Well as someone who has lost a son, the cost to me is irrelevant and for $2,000 in a building where it might save a life it's something that shouldn't even be considered," said Jones.
