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HOSPITALS AREN'T BEST PLACE FOR HEART ATTACK Researchers say
you have a better chance of surviving cardiac arrest caused by an abnormal
heart rhythm on an airplane or in a casino than in a hospital.
The difference is automated defibrillators, and staff nearby that are
trained to use them, explains Dr. Mary Ann Peberdy of the Medical College of
Virginia, Richmond.
The Virginia Commonwealth University- associated medical professor says
victims who keel over in a hospital wait an average five minutes for "code"
teams to respond with defibrillators, devices that can shock a person's
heart back to normal rhythm.
In contrast, studies in gambling casinos - with their automated "smart"
defibrillators, trained personnel, and routine camera monitoring - show an
average time of under three minutes.
Survivability after cardiac arrest decreases an estimated 10 percent for
every minute the patient is in ventricular fibrillation.
Both airports in Chicago have automated defibrillators, and company
officials say Delta, American and Continental flights will soon carry them
as well.
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Doctor
Pourrat Monahemi, is the SeniorSite expert on medical and health issues concerning seniors and brings you the latest health news, views, secrets and tips that your health professional may not know or tell you about, including the latest medical breakthroughs from Mother Nature and modern technology. 
