An intergalactic guide to using a defibrillator

The big takeaway from the article is at the VERY end where they talk about how AEDs are used in less than 1 percent of the cases before paramedics show up — who, when they do eventually show up, have less than a 15-20 percent chance of finding a shockable rhythm.

The retention rate on remembering how to use an AED is close to 85 percent, with the biggest factor being the physical mass of the child to perform chest compressions. Implanting this skill in their head sets us up for the future where AED use may be as common sense as calling 911.

I have also been developing a kids program and wanting to get into the schools to show kids this device in a fun, creative way. I know fire alarms are a massively important emergency device that can save lives. But it was ingrained in me to never to go near them, so much so that I don’t think I'd actually think to pull one in an emergency. I would probably yell loudly that people need to get out of the building instead. (Luckily, I don't think I'd pull a George Kastanza and stampede over people in the rush to get out.)

A quick simple explanation of an AED and who should have one. Standard kinda boring educational stuff, but some very good information — and the foundation of information that allows me to get creative.

if you have taken a CPR class in the 80s or 90s, you watched this film. I have seen it WAY too many times and would make fun of it during the class. I think the absurdity of part of it had opened the door for me to get creative with my teaching style and use a lot of humor to get an idea across. The dramatic music helps tell you where things are heading ... plus the 80s workout gear really gets the old ticker going.

This has gone from being annoying to kitsch now, and the info is surprisingly still quite current — even if the window treatments in their house isn’t.

This was my original TEDxWinnipeg talk on AED use. Simply put, if you know how to use a toaster, you have the skill set to use an AED. During the talk, I have my "mother" tell me how to make toast. I also demonstrate how to do compression-only CPR.