What about a Defib for home?

[Darren1]

Aside from implanted devices, would it be a good idea to have a dfib at home? Can "average" non-medical people buy/obtain them? Would insurance cover it? It would sure add ease of mind! Just a thought. I know the new defibs are automatic (just hold them on someones chest and they determine when/if to activate).

-D

[SharonBates]

Hello Darren,
That's a great question! I am not an expert on the rules of in home AED's, only a promoter for AED in the public. I recently heard of an article that encourages those with heart ailments to have an in-home device. I don't know where the article was published, but I'm sure with some digging, this info can be found somewhere on the internet.

Here is something to consider. An organization (Mom's Team - www.Momsteam.com) that has contacted my foundation (Anthony Bates Foundation - www.AnthonyBates.org) is in the initiation phase of the "2004 Safe Kids Campaign" that will promote AED's on all playing fields across the US. The cool thing about this is the donation of funds back to the Teams of Angels - www.TeamsofAngels.org. TOA are grassroots programs like ABF that will benefit from the purchase of these AED's.

The DefibTech products can be purchased through Mom's Team for a reasonable price of $1495. Then $200 of that money will be donated back to the Teams of Angels. Definitely a win-win for everyone.

Check out the links I have included. I hope that helps with your search for knowledge on this subject and we can start talking about this within the HCMA message board.

Best Regards,
Sharon Bates

[Reenie]

As far as I know, in order to get an insurance company to pick up part/all of the tab, you have to have a written prescription for one. I know that SheliRenee got one for her son Keanu that way. Other than that I don't know if you can get your hands on one for "household" use.

Reenie

[SheliRenee]

Hi All -

In order to get the AED for my little guy, I had to make a lot of telephone calls. I first called both of Keanu's insurance carriers and found out which, if either, would cover the cost of one. Then I called companies who carried AEDs. I had not only a prescription for an AED, I also had a letter of need (if that would be the correct phrase for that). If I remember correctly, it was last year that this was all taking place, none of the companies would deal with his insurance... not sure if it was because of his insurance or if that was a general policy of theirs. Anyway, I was told that I could pay for the AED up front and then have the insurance reimburse me. That would have been all well and fine if I had the almost $3,000.00 that it required at the time. I then had to make another bunch of telephone calls to find somebody who basically could "front" the money for the AED and bill the insurance company. I found a lady in a pharmacy who was able to do this. When the AED finally arrived this lady actually drove it out to my house and showed me how to use it. She registered in my son's name before bringing out and did not leave until she was sure that I was comfortable with how to use it. I had actually been showed how to use the device by a Philips rep at one of the heart screenings in Arizona set up by Sharon and Alan Bates last year, so it didn't take long to refresh. I feel much better carrying around the AED for my son. It goes everywhere that he does and one of my other children usually makes sure that we have it every time we leave the house. Even though I feel that having the AED gives me a better feeling that I will hopefully be able to help my son should the need arise, I will still feel better when he is big enough to have the ICD implanted.

Just a note - - - I love the AED we have. It's pretty "dummy-proof." The pads are placed in the appropriate places and the monitor does everything else. It actually tells me if he needs the shock or not. All I have to do is press a button if the shock is advised. It then orally goes through the steps of CPR if the heart ends up not picking up its own natural rhythm. Pretty nifty, if you ask me.

Anyway, hope this helps. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

SheliRenee

[Reenie]

SheliRenee, thanks for the input. I couldn't remember any details. Hopefully others can learn from your experience.

Reenie

[mtlieb]

I could swear i just saw an ad on television for one of these not too long ago, and for a pretty cheap price. I'll have to look into it.

[Darren1]

Sharon,

You are awesome!! I'm checking into ordering one for my son and I now! (I hope to get the insurance to pay for it.. keep us in your prayers). Is there any information about how these divices do with young patients? My son is 4 years old.. will it still work for someone that small?

-D

[Darren1]

Thanks to Shelli too! You both are great. I just hope the p.i.t.a. insurance folks will approve one.

-D

[SharonBates]

Hi Darren,
Defibtech is supposed to have pediatric pad available (if not already, soon) for children under 40 pounds. Otherwise, adult pads are appropriate.

I hope your insurance will pay for your defibrillator. If they say "no" keep after them...just like we have to do for everything else in our HCM world.

I'll pray a little harder for that!
Blessings,
Sharon

[abates]

I would NOT recommend using adult pads in a pediatric situation. Defibrillators deliver an electrical shock which is rated in units called joules. Of course, pediatric units deliver a lower number of joules.

Philips medical was the first out with pads for ped's, but the other manufacturers have gotten on the band wagon now.

I would say that you would need to make certain you get one that is appropriate. A doctor familiar with then enough to write a prescription (required) should be able to address the issue. Although he may not be familiar with the workings of all the manufacturers, once you have his recommendation you should be free (and knowledgable enough) to get the right unit.

Feel free to contact me if you need any help.

Allen Bates
AHA certified CPR/AED instructor

[felixdacat]

I saw the commercial that jim was referring to. The Web site is
http://www.heartstart.philips.com/heartstart/home.jsp

It says you would need a prescription for the device.

[Burton Borrok]

Felix and Sandy,
Good to see your focus is expanding again. Hope that’s a good sign that your world is starting to return to a more normal balance. We’re still all pulling for you guys.
Burt

[Burton Borrok]

Hi all,
I am sad to report that I am a very sick puppy. This is a very important and serious thread, and all I can think of is, “Shock it to me” therapy. I certainly hope all turns out to a very happy conclusion, but I have to go to my room now and fluff my walls.
Burt

[Darren1]

:) yeah, a Heart-attack w/o a defib is an even more shocking experience...

[mtlieb]

Hey Felix,

Yes, that's the unit i saw advertised on television, only i thought it was much cheaper. I guess i only saw the 399.00 part and missed the 'five easy payments of' part. Blast that Ron Popeil! :?

Jim

[cynthia]

just happened to read this thread....
I work with school nurses and the nurse leader is looking into purchasing defribrillators for all schools in our district. Please go to AED.com
for more informaton