< Patient Stories

AEDs: Know Where They Are, Know How to Use Them

An automated external defibrillator and a nurse who knew how to use it saved Joey Coughlin’s life. He collapsed at his classroom desk earlier this month, and was in cardiac arrest by the time Rosebud High School nurse Jeannie Cook got to his side. She immediately put an automated external defibrillator on Joey’s chest and calmly began CPR. These actions kept him alive before he got to emergency medical care.

AED Inforgraphic, AED Saved Joey Coughlin's Life After four days in Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Joey had surgery to implant a device that will keep his heart going if it ever stops again.

"There is no question that he’s alive today because of the AED’s use," said Dr. Srikant Das, a pediatric cardiologist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and director of the Electrophysiology Lab. "This was a heroic effort that shows how important it is to have AEDs available and ready when they’re needed."

And to the right you’ll find a quick guide for how to use AEDs. Study up and keep it handy!

ACT FAST TO SAVE A LIFE!