Know the Device That Could Save a Life: Raising AED Awareness
Chances are, you’ve walked past an AED in a school, gym, or airport without giving it a second thought. But do you know what it is? Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are becoming increasingly commonplace in public spaces for a good reason—they save lives. Even more importantly, you don’t need to be a medical professional to use one. Designed for simplicity, AEDs provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring anyone can act confidently in an emergency.
AEDs can’t harm a person experiencing a Sudden Cardiac Arrest – a rescuer’s actions can only help. As Dr. S. Joanne Dames explains,”AEDs are designed to resuscitate people whose hearts have stopped working effectively, by shocking a victim’s heart to restore a healthy rhythm.” With this reassurance, learning how to identify and operate an AED could mean the difference between life and death.
A Personal Tragedy Sparks a Movement
For Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, the importance of AEDs is deeply personal. In 2016, his father, Paul Ward, suffered cardiac arrest and tragically passed away. Despite an AED being nearby, it went unused because no one present knew how to operate it.
This life-altering event inspired Denzel to create Make Them Know Your Name (MTKYN), a foundation dedicated to raising awareness of heart health and equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to act during cardiac emergencies. Named after his father’s motto, “Make them know your name,” the foundation embodies a mission of creating lasting impact.
Denzel’s work has not gone unnoticed. On December 2, 2024, he shared his story and his foundation’s mission on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. His goal is to empower individuals to act decisively in emergencies and prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
Why AED Awareness and Accessibility Matter
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes approximately 350,000 people annually in the United States, with survival rates dropping 10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation. Many of these incidents occur at home—approximately 7 out of 10—underscoring the importance of considering an AED for personal use, especially if someone in your household has a known heart condition.
“AEDs are designed to save lives, and they are surprisingly simple to use,” says Dr. Dames. “Awareness and accessibility are key, but it’s the confidence to act that ultimately makes a difference.” AEDs provide clear voice instructions, guiding users through the process of attaching pads, analyzing the heart rhythm, and delivering a shock only if necessary. As the Red Cross outlines, these steps are designed to be straightforward, even for someone with no medical background.
Investing in Safety: What You Can Do
For families with a loved one at risk of heart issues, having an AED at home can be a life-saving measure. These devices are not just for public spaces; they’re becoming more affordable and accessible for personal home use. Many organizations and foundations, like MTKYN, advocate for AED education and placement in homes and communities to ensure rapid response in emergencies.
In addition to considering an AED, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with how to operate an AED . Organizations like the American Red Cross offer simple training courses that empower individuals to act confidently.
The Takeaway: Every Second Counts
Denzel Ward’s story reminds us that being prepared can save lives. Whether by learning how to use an AED, ensuring they’re accessible in your community, or considering one for your home, these small steps can make a monumental difference. In emergencies, seconds count—and so does the courage to act.
To learn more about AEDs, visit AEDSuperstore, or join Denzel Ward in his mission by supporting Make Them Know Your Name.
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