This customer story was provided by Max Patissier and it will explain to you possible usages of SimplePack device for the automated external defibrillator (AED) machine monitoring and proper maintaining. The AED machine helps people to survive a sudden cardiac arrest. We all want to make the world a better place and here is our take on how to do it with a SimplePack device.
A study by a team from the University of Lille reveals 46,000 cardiac arrests per year in France. According to other sources, every year in the U.S., approximately 356,000 cases of cardiac arrest occur outside of a hospital setting, in which less than 6% survive. Meanwhile, when 1000 people from 40 different communities were asked three questions on the topic, the final research concluded that the population is not sufficiently informed.
Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the world. There are still plenty of companies and individuals that are equipped with AED machines but still deal with certain issues. Let’s look at this in more detail.
AED is an automated external defibrillator and is a true life-saving device, which is able to treat patients through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia and allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
Any person experiencing a cardiac arrest has less than 8 minutes to find and set up the AED at best. This is the approximate time from cardiac arrest to probable death.
Apart from the fact the reaction needs to be fast, there is another challenge, which is the working conditions of the machine. French company MATECIR DEFIBRIL audited defibrillators in more than 200 communities and companies. The results were terrifying: 42% of the defibrillators didn’t work properly. There are two scenarios: an empty battery issue and patches that are in poor condition or have already been used.
The solutions are not limited to the replacement of components (electrodes and batteries). Manufacturers have already planned the low battery level indication but if nobody notices the warning light not working, it has no real use. At the end of the day, it is reliant on somebody being able to detect AED failure and act accordingly.
SimplePack offers a solution
We’ve interviewed Max Patissier, CEO of WND Uruguay, who has explained how using a SimplePack device with Sigfox can update users on the condition and location of their defibrillators.
Here are three usage scenarios:
1- The nearest doctor: with a single press of the button – or just by moving the AED device, the signal can be sent to a mobile emergency center. In addition, with geolocation possibilities, you can know precisely where the AED is. For example, if it has been moved or if it’s in use.
2- The maintenance services: with 2 presses, the signal can be sent to a contact center. It means that this AED device was used and requires new patches or that the light does not blink anymore. Likewise, with geolocation, the maintenance opertor knows precisely where the AED device is located.
3- Security! Get notified if the AED device has been moved without medical urgency. And know where to find it!
On the operational side, placing the SimplePack takes just a matter of seconds. The IoT device needs to be installed on the AED machine. Its button is used to attract attention and you can attach the following instructions, as follows:
1 press = HELP!
2 presses = this AED requires maintenance.
The interface can be very simple: a map with a photograph of each AED device location. If a device moves or the button is pressed, immediate alert and visualization of the location can be seen. (See pictures below)
Due to geolocation possibilities, we can use a mobile application to locate the closest AED equipment to your position with information on availability and other details (private/public, accessibility schedule, etc).
Use cases
* According to the Sigfox regulations, the SimplePack device is not meant to be used in emergency situations as a primary plan of saving a life. The use case is developed in order to help maintain and monitor the conditions of essential equipment, which is AED.
