Early access to emergency care (911), early CPR, early advanced cardiac life support, and early defibrillation increases the chance of survival for victims of heart attacks.

With placement of AED units and CPR/AED training in rural areas throughout the state, cardiac arrest victims will have a better chance of being kept alive while waiting to be treated at the hospital.

AED Questions and Answers

What is an AED?

It's an automated external defibrillator, a device used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. A built-in computer assesses the patient's heart rhythm, judges whether defibrillation is needed, and if needed administers the shock.

How do you use an AED?

AED units are programmed to give step by step directions, from placing the pads on the victim to instructing you to stand clear of victim in order to give the shock. A microprocessor inside the AED interprets the victim's heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes, analyzes the rhythm, then advises the operator whether a shock is needed.

Do you need training to use an AED?

Yes. Though the defibrillator gives step by step directions, persons trained in CPR and AED usage are equipped to follow the directions of the unit without hesitation, thus increasing the victim's chances of survival. Most are designed to be used by non-medical personnel such as police, fire service personnel, flight attendants, and other lay persons who've been trained.

When should an AED be used?

Anytime you find an unresponsive adult or child, you should immediately call 911 and get an available AED. Administer CPR, then perform the four universal steps of AED operation.

How do I get an AED in my community?

Applications to purchase AEDs can be found at the rural counties/communities chancery clerk's office. The application must be completed and returned to the Mississippi Department of Health. You will then be notified if your application was approved.

Who do I contact to get one?

You may contact the Mississippi Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, Rural AED Program at 601-576-7680.

What is the purpose of the Rural AED Program?

This program provides basic life support and training through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross to support public relations and to promote information on early warning signs of cardiac arrest. This is to reduce the incidence of cardiac arrest in rural Mississippi and increase survivability by educating the public in early notification through 911 or emergency numbers, early CPR, early defibrillation and early intervention by ALS.

Why rural areas?

There is a shortage of primary care physicians and nurses available in our rural counties, and extended transport times of victims to higher levels of definitive care. Statistics show that for an average seven day week, 72% of rural counties average .09 ambulances available within the county to provide the needed services. First response and public access will yield the best chance of survival for rural Mississippians experiencing a cardiovascular event.

When are more AEDs coming?

Contract Applications will be mailed to each rural county in late September or early October.

Who all pays for this program?

The RAED Program is a federally funded program administered through the Mississippi Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The state share of funding for the program is contributed by the counties and BEMS.