Portable Defibrillator
Have you or your loved one recently been diagnosed with heart disease? If that is the case, I am sure you have received an overwhelming amount of information with an abundance of new words spewed your way. A new diagnosis can be overbearing, but with the help of your doctor, you can gain an understanding of new needs for day-to-day life. One of the new words you may have come across is defibrillator. This is a device that is designed to restore the heart’s normal function.
Someone with heart disease, such as congestive heart failure orcoronary artery disease, may experience an arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is defined as an irregular heart beat. When this occurs in a person’s heart, they may be at risk for sudden cardiac death or a heart attack. In order to prevent this from occurring, your doctor may discuss with you the benefits of a defibrillator. When the heartbeat is not normal, this instrument essentially resets the normal heartbeat and allows the heart to continue its normal function.
What is a Portable Defibrillator?
A portable defibrillator is just what it is stated as; it is a defibrillator that is portable and can be carried around. This machine is no longer solely found in an emergency vehicle or a hospital, but it can be purchased for use at home. If you or your loved one is at risk for a heart attack, this may be an option for care in order to prolong the quality of life. A portable defibrillator is designed to detect the irregular heartbeat and provide the required amount of electricity in order to make the heart beat normally again. The technology of these devices is remarkable, because it does not provide too much or too little electricity.
Purchasing a Portable Defibrillator
If it is in the best interest of you or your loved one to purchase a portable defibrillator, be sure to research the products available on the market. There are numerous brands, sizes, and price ranges for portable defibrillators. Also keep in mind that this device is designed to save a life, so it is vital that you educate yourself on available products. You will want a device you are comfortable operating and can easily transport. You should avoid purchasing the cheapest portable defibrillator if it is not rated highly by other customers. Shop around and look at several companies that sell these devices. You do not want to impulse buy a portable defibrillator before deciding what functions you are looking for in the product.
Operating a Portable Defibrillator
Portable defibrillators are designed to require minimal training to operate, since this type of defibrillator is not manufactured for use in the hospital setting. The portable defibrillator must be easy to transport since it is impossible to know the exact time and place it will be needed. You should also keep in mind that the portable defibrillator must be accessible in the time of need. Remember, your doctor is the medical expert and can serve as a great resource when purchasing medical equipment.
