When they heard a fire alarm coming from their elderly neighbor’s flat, Lucy and her fiancé Mike called on the first aid skills they had learned just months earlier to make a life-saving difference.

The Nottingham couple were watching television at home in the early evening when they heard the persistent blaring of an alarm. Concerned about their 80-year-old neighbor, they called round and offered to help. Lucy recounts what happened next:

The lady invited us in and we saw that the whole place was filled with smoke from ceiling to floor. I immediately started opening the windows in the house to clear the smoke while Mike went into the kitchen with the lady.

It turns out she had started cooking her dinner and then fallen asleep in her bedroom, before being woken by the fire alarm. Her pan had caught fire on the stove but she’d managed to put it out with cold water in the sink.

As I was opening the windows, the poor lady passed out but luckily Mike caught her on the way down. I put her on her side in the recovery position and angled her head back, so she would be breathing in smoke-free air. I know smoke rises so the lower on the floor she was, the safer she would be.

Next I called 911 and the operator advised us to leave the room due to the smoke. However, the lady was really upset and vulnerable and the shock of passing out had caused her to use her bowels so I felt I had to stay there and reassure her that help was on the way. Mike also took the opportunity to call the lady’s son and others to tell them what had happened.

The paramedics arrived in ten minutes, closely followed by the fire engines. As per my training, I told the paramedic all that I’d learned from the casualty her age and the fact she was diabetic  then she was rushed off to hospital.

Later on, the fire chief on the scene commended us and the lady's son and daughter also came over that evening to thank us. A couple of weeks later, the son turned up again with a bottle of wine and some flowers and told us his mum had been allowed home after a couple of days in hospital.

Looking back, we realize just how serious the situation was. Nobody else answered her alarm, and if we hadn't gone when we did things might have gone very badly. We both felt really good about what we were able to do for the lady and I’m so grateful for all I learned from my Everyday First Aid course.

An injured or ill person can benefit greatly from receiving air with a higher oxygen concentration.

Without adequate oxygen, hypoxia, a condition in which insufficient oxygen reaches the cells, will occur.

Signs and symptoms of hypoxia include

Increased breathing and heart rate.

Changes in level of consciousness.

Restlessness.

Cyanosis (bluish lips and nailbeds).

Chest pain

Always provide emergency oxygen to a victim having difficulty breathing if it is available, you are trained to use it and local protocols allow.

Emergency oxygen should be considered if

An adult is breathing fewer than 12 breaths per minute or more than 20 breaths per minute.

A child is breathing fewer than 15 breaths per minute or more than 30 breaths per minute.

An infant is breathing fewer than 25 breaths per minute or more than 50 breaths per minute.

At the scene of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), there is no time to lose—every minute that passes means less of a chance for a victim to be saved. But no matter where or when SCA strikes, early use of a  Medtronic AED  is the only effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF), a potentially fatal heart rhythm associated with SCA.  Although not everyone can be saved from sudden cardiac arrest, studies show that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates. The Medtronic defibrillator from Physio-Control is designed to be used by the first person to respond to an SCA victim easily, safely, and effectively.

First aid is defined as “The assistance given to an injured or sick person in need of urgent medical assistance.” First aid applies to a broad range of medical situations and consists both of skills and specific knowledge  (for example, what to do for each type of injury or illness) and the ability to assess a situation and make appropriate decisions (such as when to call for emergency medical assistance).

Preparedness is a key element of first aid. While every home, auto, and boat should be equipped with a basic emergency kit that includes emergency first aid supplies and a first aid manual, special circumstances may necessitate more advanced or specific degrees of preparation for an emergency. For example, residents of certain geographic areas where natural disasters (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, landslides, or tsunamis) may occur should prepare for emergencies by assembling disaster preparedness kits such as earthquake kits, flood kits, and evacuation kits.  Having a Philips or Medtronic AED is also recommended.

The price of AED’s has come down considerably over the years however; cost still remains a hurdle to obtaining the life-saving devices.

Keilea S. remembers nothing about her second day at Evergreen High School. The 15-year-old went into cardiac arrest on Sept. 1 while sitting in her fourth-period physics class, and awoke two days later in a hospital bed. School officials credit a Medtronic AED with saving the students life.

When Keilea thinks about how close she came to death, she concludes she was “really lucky to be where I was,” near the AED’s location in the main office.

“I wasn’t really aware of AEDs’ being in the school before this whole thing,” said Keilea, who has since been diagnosed with a heart condition “Now I think it’s important ... it’s really important.”  A person who suffers cardiac arrest on a school campus equipped with an AED has a 70 percent chance of survival.

Yet, cost concerns in today’s age of endless budget cuts have prevented universal embrace of the potentially life-saving technology. Each Philips AED costs between $1,300 and $1,500.  Yet the befit of having these emergency supplies is priceless.

Charlton Police Chief James Pervier says Savers Bank has been a generous community partner to his department and other town organizations

By Debbie LaPlaca
Worcester Telegram & Gazette

CHARLTON, Mass. — First responders from the Charlton Police Department are equipped with a new portable device that can save the lives of victims struck by sudden cardiac arrest.

The department's first Automated External Defibrillator was recently donated by the Charlton branch of Savers Bank.

It came about because Charlton Police Chief James A. Pervier serves on a Worcester County Triad council known as SALT, for Seniors And Lawmen Together.

"At a SALT meeting, I said my agency is without an AED, and with an aging population, I could use is this type of device," Chief Pervier said.

Savers Branch Manager Eileen J. Piotroski, who also serves on SALT, took the chief's comment to heart. She and bank president Joseph A. Coderre presented a $2,339 Medtronic Lifepak 1000 defibrillator to the chief on March 5.

"Being a small, community-based bank, we try to step up," Ms. Piotroski said.

Savers Bank, Chief Pervier said, has been a generous community partner to his department and other town organizations.

Under Ms. Piotroski's direction, the Charlton branch has aided in the repair of storm-damaged soccer fields, replaced a dock at the YMCA camp, and contributed to a wealth of local charities and programs.

During the presentation at the bank, the chief thanked the bank officers and extolled the benefits of AEDs.

"I've done CPR on persons without the device, and I've had two survive in my career, and a lot have not," Chief Pervier said.

The use of an AED increases the survival rate of people in sudden cardiac arrest by 74 percent.

Automated voice commands guide the device's operator through analyzing the victim's heart rhythm. If life-threatening arrhythmia is detected, the machine charges to the appropriate level and delivers a shock.

More than 300,000 Americans are victims of sudden cardiac arrest every year, of which about 5 percent survive. Many deaths are preventable with the use of CPR and an AED, according to the American Red Cross.

What is an EID?

EID stands for Emergency Instruction Device, a smart device that provides interactive voice instructions to talk users through medical emergencies. An EID reduces the “panic factor” that accompanies traumatic situations and enables anyone at the scene to take quick and decisive action until professional help arrives. It’s also a flexible tool for first aid training.

What is a SET System?

SET stands for Self-Contained Emergency Treatment (SET) system, a comprehensive system for first aid training and emergency response. SETs organize everything needed for response in one convenient kit – an EID, prepackaged supplies color-coded to the trauma buttons on the EID, personal safety and scene clean-up supplies. Some models include a compartment for storage and transport of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). First Voice is the only SET manufacturer, leading the way to a new generation of smart first aid devices and tools.

Why do I need an EID or SET System?

In a medical emergency, 4 minutes can be the difference between life and death.

Yet, 911 response times average 10-12 minutes in urban areas and significantly more in remote locations. What’s more, professional response teams and 911 dispatch centers are increasingly overloaded with calls. The people first at the scene of an emergency are in a key position to make a difference – but even individuals with first aid training often freeze because of panic, fear of doing the wrong thing, or concerns about liability.

EIDs and SETs provide reassuring coaching, reliable instructions, and Good Samaritan reminders to overcome these barriers. When someone needs help, First Voice lets you make every minute count until advanced care takes over.

What do you mean when you say the SET system is “interactive?”

Once the First Voice SET is activated, the voice unit employs a series of yes/no prompts to coach the responder through the assessment of an injury. Based on one-touch responses about the injury and victim, the unit provides treatment protocols uniquely tailored to the nature and severity of the injury and to the needs of adults, children, infants, and pregnant women. For example, the burn button provides specific instructions for thermal (fire, heat, steam, and liquid), chemical, electrical, and flash burns. What are the advantages of First Voice EIDs over other devices on the market?

First Voice offers the most comprehensive EIDs available today. Ours are the only EIDS with:

­       ~ Lay Rescuer

­        ~Certified Healthcare Provider  

• Multiple injury prioritization
• Upgradeable capability for protocol changes
• LCD screen to reinforce voice prompts
• Availability of a SET system

What kinds of emergencies are covered by First Voice?

The touchpad on the EID contains 12 buttons corresponding to different emergency categories. Within each of these categories are instructions for specific incidents, such as:

In addition, when a victim has multiple injuries, First Voice assists the responder in assessing injuries and prioritizing care.

How does First Voice work?

When an emergency button is pressed on the touchpad, the EID asks a series of questions about the emergency. Users press Yes or No in response to the questions. Based on this input, the software powering the EID delivers instructions tailored to the specific nature of the situation. The EID coaches the user through such things as scene safety, checking for consciousness, personal protection, first aid protocols, and when and how to use the supplies in the SET.

For example, if the Seizure/Diabetic button is pressed, First Voice will:

If the victim has a serious injury, such as severe bleeding, First Voice will:

*partial list of instructions

Who should I use First Voice?

First Voice is designed for use by anyone. The touchpad is clearly organized and simple to use. Of course, for ultimate emergency readiness, prior training in first aid and CPR is recommended. In addition, many organizations have emergency response plans, which designate individuals responsible for using First Voice and other emergency equipment, such as defibrillators.

Where would I expect to see First Voice?

You’ll find our EIDs and SET systems in a variety of environments, including:

• Corporate and industrial settings
• High-risk and remote areas
• Community centers and churches
• Camps and parks
• Schools and childcare centers
• Health care facilities and sporting events
• Marine environments
• First responder and law enforcement agencies

What about liability for people who use First Voice?

Good Samaritan laws generally protect rescuers acting in good faith by providing immunity from civil lawsuits in the event first aid is unsuccessful. In addition, First Voice includes references to obtaining permission before helping a victim.

It’s expected that use of First Voice will reduce liability by helping rescuers manage an emergency according to established treatment protocols, rather than providing inappropriate care or doing nothing at all.

How do I use First Voice for training?

First Voice helps to overcome the retention issues associated with conventional classroom instruction. Our EIDs deliver just-in-time refresher training, and our product mix provides hybrid resources to strengthen learning.

• Finally, our SET systems include a First Voice Responder's Handbook as another training resource and reference tool.

Where did First Voice obtain the emergency protocols?

The EID protocols conform to guidelines set by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and Department of Homeland Security. Our copyright-protected protocols are similar to those used by 9-1-1 providers and are approved by medical directors.

How long does it take to run through each protocol so that I can get down to business and treat the injury?

The creators of First Voice designed the software to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. The interactive yes/no questions eliminate unnecessary information and provide only the protocols needed for the situation at hand. It generally takes 60-90 seconds to run through a specific protocol. During your demo, make sure you specifically review the CPR coaching provided by the EID.

Do I need to buy supplies from First Voice?

No. You can purchase the EID and/or software without the supplies.

What’s the advantage to buying supplies from First Voice?

Each First Voice SET system comes stocked with prepackaged supplies, organized and color-coded to the corresponding emergency. The EID tells you when and how to use the supplies in each pack. Supplies range from splints and wound dressing supplies to protective equipment. Only non-latex supplies are available, as are upgraded supplies, such as clotting solutions and burn dressing kits. Because we buy in bulk from wholesale suppliers, we’re able to pass on cost-savings to you.

Our patent-pending AmpuSave™ pack is included with each system. AmpuSave is the only product of its kind that provides supplies needed for the preservation and transport of amputated digits, fingers, toes, or tissue in one package.

In addition, we make it easy to restock your supplies. Our inventory management system lets you track what you’ve used and what you need.By simply calling your distributor you can restock your system so that it is complete and ready-to-go quickly again. We also provide state mandate advice on how to comply with civil liability immunity protection laws for AEDs and first aid equipment (for the workplace); COMPLIMENTARY – for no charge.

What should I look for when considering an EID?

To get the most value when purchasing an EID, consider the following:

• Ability to integrate into a SET system for response
• Number and types of emergencies covered
• Multiple injury capability
• Training available for equipment
• Cost
• Ease of updating protocols
• Suitability for bad weather or blood-borne contaminated environments

Is special training available for the First Voice system?

Although First Voice is highly intuitive and may be used by anyone at the scene, additional training in use of the equipment and basic life support protocols is highly recommended. Online first Aid and CPR or other emergency training may be purchased from one of our distributors. We encourage training as it is a key to preparedness. Our in-field reps and distributors do have roll-out training they can provide for your staff training needs and new employee hires.

What happens if the treatment protocols change (as they did in 2005)?

First Voice is fully updatable via an accessible media card port that allows for quick and easy configuration or protocol updates.  These cards are available for only $29 LIST or you may purchase an annual maintenance agreement from your local distributor, allowing for free anytime protocol updates at no charge.

Is the First Voice EID available in other languages?

The First Voice EID is multilingual and comes standard in English and Spanish with customization of other languages available for bulk volumes. As additional languages are added we’ll update the website to announce the upgrades.

How is the system powered?

The EID runs on 3 “AA” cell alkaline batteries, and an automatic self-test is completed continually for low battery.

How does the system work under adverse conditions, such as high noise, night, or rain?

First Voice systems are designed for just these kinds of worst-case scenarios. In terms of night or low-light environments, most EIDs come with a backlit membrane switch and pen light. First Voice™ is splash-proof and water-resistant. We also offer clear protective coverings for the EID, water-tight models, and a variety of durable cases.

We already have an AED, so why do we need this?

If you have an AED, you’re off to a good start. However, AEDs cover one kind of cardiac emergency and are not always suitable for use with children and infants. In addition, only 17% of workplace injuries are cardiac-related. First Voice covers all major and minor first aid emergencies that result in ER vistis and hospitalizations.

Can I purchase an AED with my SET System?

Yes, we offer complete solutions including the lowest cost of ownership, lightest weight and most rugged AED on the market at discount prices.  All First Voice SET systems have AED pockets or attachments that allow for clear viewing of the device’s active status.

What kind of pricing are we talking about?

The First Voice EID has an MSRP of $249 without any accessories. Pricing for the SET systems range from the high-$100’s to mid $1000 range, depending on the size of the EID, quantity of supplies, if an AED is included, type of case/bag, and level of water resistance and durability required.

Can I purchase individual pieces of the SET system?

Yes we provide a flexible mix of products and services so you can purchase the pieces that are right for you. From downloading our ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach software onto your existing hardware to purchasing our EID or cases, we’re committed to helping you get exactly what you need.

We’re a non-profit organization in the middle of some budget-tightening. Any ideas on how we can pay for this?

A variety of grants are available to fund the purchase of First Voice. In addition, we offer grant-finding and grant-writing services for volunteer fire, EMS, camps, schools, and other organizations. Fundraising options and leasing are also available.

Will purchasing First Voice products help lower our insurance premiums?

Each insurance company handles these requests individually, but the potential for premium reduction does exist. Many of our customers enjoy significant insurance credits after purchasing a  system. Contact us for specific information about available discounts.

We provide first response to a widespread area. How many of these systems do I need?

A good rule of thumb is that a SET system is recommended in any location more than four minutes away from advanced medical care. In large facilities, several SET systems may be needed to ensure adequate coverage. Basically, wherever you have an AED or response kit, you need an SET or EID.

Does First Voice come with a warranty?

Think Safe Inc., the manufacturer of First Voice products, warrants the physical EID to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal operating conditions for a period of three years from the date of purchase.

Where can I obtain more information about or place an order for First Voice?

Contact us or go to First Aid Kits section to order.

What services would you be interested in?

Tell us what you think of the supplies we offer......