An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that is sends an immediate electric shock to someone in order to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). An AED is meant to be distributed to common public locations in case anyone receives an SCA on the spot and cannot wait for an ambulance to arrive. These devices carry life-saving potential, but only wherever they are available. They are usually distributed to businesses and schools, but what about locations that not everyone thinks about? Here are five common locations that could heavily benefit from an AED at the ready.

Subways

Unlike busses, trains or taxis, subways take longer for an ambulance to reach due to the underground conformity. With the many people who go in and out of subway stations, a moving meeting-ground should always have the available precautions in case of anyone’s cardiac arrest. It might be best to hold it in a secure location, such as the conductor’s operating room.

Restaurants

In a place where someone could easily cheat on his or her diet, it would be a necessary precaution to have an AED at the ready. Whether it is a mom and pop or a high-end restaurant, if an AED can be approved then it would be a wise, life-saving service to your customers, or for those who work at the bustling establishment.

Concert Venues

Here’s one not everyone often thinks about. A festival or concert normally gets people rowdy and jumping with excitement. There are also notable instances where audience members can be overpowered by the large crowds, drinks, and energy that if they are at risk for heart disease, a cardiac arrest could be possible.

Movie theaters

Similar to both a restaurant and a concert, a movie theater provides both food and public excitement that might cause someone who is at risk to develop heart troubles. There are occasional times such as the original screening of Jaws where someone had a heart attack in the theater. Although these instances are rare, it would be wise to have one at the ready since movie theaters contain many people in multiple dark rooms. Perhaps one can be placed in each general section for easier access.

Your own home

If you know that either you or someone you live with is at risk for possible heart troubles, then it would be a wise precaution to keep an AED in your home or even your car.

As with any powerful electrical device, make sure that the AED is both approved for your location. We hope that the need never arises to use an AED, but if it does, be sure that you also contact Emergency medical services whenever you do use the device.