Finally, the defibrillator, the external life- saving device during cardiac arrest, has been installed in our town. It is placed in public locations, mainly on lottery kiosks and old payphone booths.
The defib. is meant for untrained people who by pushing the right button activate an electric shock helping the collapsed person survive until ambulance with the rescue team arrives. Everyone on the street, they say, could be a life saver.
I 've noticed, though, there are no instructions on this yellow colored device, except for the one, demanding to dial the urgency number 101 when an emergency occurs. Probably at that number one gets the necessary information on what needs to be done (buttons are under lock).
As I understand, Mifal Hapais (national Lotttery of Israel), which owns the lottery kiosks, is funding these devices.The phone booths are the property of the giant phone company Bezek.
As most of the phone booths are not in use any more, but still need some maintenance, it is now for the Magen David Adom (Israel's national Emergency organization) to bear the responsability for them; it's a win-win situation.
May we never need to use the defib! The sad reality, however, is that we often hear about cases of cardiac arrest. There's even a rise in the number of cases now, probably having something to do with the Covid infection.
I know nothing about these medical devices, but here is my opinion anyway...😂...It seems like a bad idea to have untrained people operating them. Maybe it's easier than it looks. Or maybe it is better than doing nothing.
ReplyDeleteYou may be right. Haven't seen it work. There's ,however, a great public demand for these devices - probably because as you say"...better than doing nothing".
DeleteI know we used to have one at our library, but we never used it. I am not quite sure what happened to it. It was installed under the counter. So was a button to let the police know something was happening. But we never used it. I'm glad they are using those unused phone booths for something.
ReplyDeleteYou should ask about it. A library is a public place and needs a defibrillator, even if it's rarely in use (which is good).
DeleteBrilliant.. time is usually of the essence.
ReplyDeleteYes. Time is critical. If heart's rhythm can be restored by the shock given, until ambulance arrives - then a life has probably been saved.
DeleteWe have something similar at work. I am going to look tomorrow to see if there are any instructions on how to use it. Here, we don't have them at outside areas like phone booths. Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteBetty
It doesn't have to be outside, but in a public place with people coming in. The devices outside are for people collapsing on the street, close to the booths.
DeleteI suppose the first step must be to inform Emergency which evaluates the situation,and before being on its way to the spot, give the necessary instructions.
Good use of equioment! Many of our schools have them. While they are a good idea for life saving purposoes, in our town the criminal element would try to steal them, as they are cutting catalytic converters off the undersides of cars in a mtter of minutes. There should be intructions, though if they are for public use.
ReplyDeleteSchools? that surprises me. Usually it is the grown-ups that may have cardiac arrest. Maybe they had the teachers in mind when deciding to install the device.
DeleteWell, criminals will try to steal anything that helps them carry out their misdeeds.
Isn't that wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. My only hope is that there won't be any use for it.I mean, I wish people should not have problems with their heart.
DeleteI often think we have to be in the right place at the right time, say you have a heart attack, there happens to be someone nearby who knows how to use the defibrillator and you have to be near one too.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Christine - to be at the right place and time. Anyway, placing these devices in public places ,is a nice, important initiative!
DeleteEven if no one ever has to use it, it's great that it's there just in case.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, Mary.It doesn't take up much space, doesn't cause any pollution or interference - so let it be there. It might save life.
DeleteI cynically thought that lottery machines would be a great place to put a defibrillator in case someone wins big.
ReplyDeleteThere's indeed some irony here. Lottery win is not for 'the faint of heart'. SOmeone could get a heart attack through the joy and surprise of winning.
DeleteThe faint of heart :)
DeleteI hope it doesn't have to be used, also. How very scary to have a heart attack in a public town. In the states, we here are hearing virus stats are high in Israel.
ReplyDeleteYou are hearing right. We have thousands of cases daily.I suppose that what's wrong is the inability of the authorities to enforce the restrictions: especially mask wearing and distancing.
DeleteInteresting there is one there for the public, it may just save someone's life.
ReplyDelete'Save someone's life" - that's the purpose, and it's definitely worth the trouble of funding and installing.
Deletethat's a wonderful idea! I know they have them installed in a few public places here, like some supermarkets, as it can really save someone's life! I'm not sure I'd feel confident using it though, I only have basic first aid training!
ReplyDeleteHope your week is off to a good start :)
Away From The Blue
I haven't got even the basics of first aid. It is so, very important! Good for you to have some training!
DeleteWell, those who fund the device (the Lottery authority) have the money, and it's public money which will now go to a good cause, that of saving lives.
ReplyDeleteWe have those in some towns. The one in ours is next to the chemist/pharmacy. I'm sure it will help to save someone's life.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I believe the tendency is to place them in most or all towns. In the central area of my town I spotted some five such devices.
DeleteThe idea is very good, never heard about it here in Europe, but I woudn't dare to use it when there is no instruction ! I am sure I would kill the person instead of helping !
ReplyDeleteAs I replied to previous comments - the instruction is to dial the emergency number 101 when an emergency requiring action occurs. The rescue team behind the number evaluates the situation, and instructs the caller on what he can do, until they arrive at the scene.
DeleteVery interesting
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Anything that has to do with saving human life is interesting.
DeleteIt's a really good idea, but instructions would be a big help! I wouldn't have a clue. Still, it's a wonderful thing to have. (I'm not sure calling the emergency number is a huge help when someone is panicking.)
ReplyDeleteן see your point, Jeanie,but I haven't seen it work, and I don't know much about it. I can only say there was and there is great public demand for it.People probably know what's needed.
DeleteI have seen these devices in many places, but never in a former telephone booth. We attended a course that showed their use and it did not seem overly difficult as the device coaches you along while its in use. As you said, anything that can help save a life is good.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear these devices are in many places.
DeleteGlad you've done that course! So, you say the device coaches you along - that's great!
I am glad they are available so those in need can be treated. However I hope you nor I ever have to use it nor be the one who is getting the treatment. I witness my father in the ICU being brought back to life and it is a scene etched in my memory even though it happen years ago. Peace
ReplyDeleteן totally agree with that ; neither of us should have to witness or undergo the treatment offered by the defib.
DeleteA great idea...to be used when the need arises for those who are in need of it.
ReplyDeleteTake care, DUTA. I hope all is well with you and yours:)
Yes, Lee - that's certainly a great, beneficial idea and enterprise! Let's just hope we won't need its service. Let the device be there for safety and...decoration.
Delete