After a 3 month RV trip, we had a discussion about purchasing an AED (automatic external defibrillator) for future trips. What started us thinking about this was a stay in Wyoming where we were miles and miles and miles away from anything medical. My DH is a heart patient (AFIB) that is controlled, but one just never knows.My question is: Anyone have one and have you ever needed to use it? They are pricey, but if its ever needed.....Thoughts?Andi

My response is a simple one. I'm only 42 yrs old and I have a wife and two small kids. I purchased life insurance for the peace of mind that if something were to happen to me my wife and kids would be ok. I think this holds true to you as well. Sometimes peace of mind is expensive, but well worth it. We hope to pay a lot of money for an item we hope we never need. Get it and travel well with that peace of mind. It may even be san item that could save a neighbor camper while at a campground.

Many public places have AEDs, libraries, malls, federal parks, etc. You, (or the patient)should discuss this issue with their cardiologist. Controlled A-fib is quite common. AEDs are to stop arrhythmias that evolve from the ventricle. If the patient was at risk for ventricular fibrillation, the doctor might consider an internal defibrillator. Possibly, of more concern to you might be the common blood thinners used to control A-fib, as they might contribute to prolonged bleeding.If you are still concerned about this, confine camping to populated areas, where an AED may be readily available.

In 1985, I was camping with my family in a large beach campground. One of us noticed a neighboring camper laying on the ground. I went over to check him and he was in full cardiac arrest. I'd learned CPR in the service, and I started working on him. Since we were at a beach, we had lifeguards arrive in about two minutes and they took over. They hooked up an EKG, and the man was suffering from ventricular fibrillation. They had a defibrillator and used it on him immediately. He converted, and I heard by the end of the day he was conscious in the hospital. The CPR and defibrillator saved his life. I'd talk to my doctor about the need for one though. If your DH is suffering from AFIB, the biggest concern is for a stroke due to blood clots. So hopefully, he's taking his medications. A defibrillator is not normally used for AFIB.If the doctor recommends it can not only save one of you, but a stranger who is in dire need also. Just make sure you receive proper training on CPR and correct use of the machine.

If husband has afib then he probably qualifies for an implanted Defib. I had one put in 4 years ago for "peace of mind" Talk to your cardiologist. If he will not do it, immediately get a second opinion.IMO Implanted defib is the gold standard for AFIB.When I worked in the hospital (22 years) I saw hundreds and hundreds of them implanted and NEVER saw a complication.Please get one soon. Carrying a portable is second best and a distant second If you have a AED and go out to dinner or take a walk in the forest etc then you have to carry it with you. If you are far away from it you may as well not have it.An implantable will help the cardiologist keep better track of your arrhythmia's as it stores the info on any anomalies in your rhythm for over 6 months for your cardiologist or any ER to view. This will help with your treatment in a strange town.

darsben wrote:If husband has afib then he probably qualifies for an implanted Defib. I had one put in 4 years ago for "peace of mind" Talk to your cardiologist. If he will not do it, immediately get a second opinion.IMO Implanted defib is the gold standard for AFIB.When I worked in the hospital (22 years) I saw hundreds and hundreds of them implanted and NEVER saw a complication.Please get one soon. Carrying a portable is second best and a distant second If you have a AED and go out to dinner or take a walk in the forest etc then you have to carry it with you. If you are far away from it you may as well not have it.An implantable will help the cardiologist keep better track of your arrhythmia's as it stores the info on any anomalies in your rhythm for over 6 months for your cardiologist or any ER to view. This will help with your treatment in a strange town.You seem to be confused between Atrial and Ventricular fibrillation. An AED is for treating Ventricular fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation, (A-Fib) is treated differently. Don't take my word for it. Learn about it as it is a very important issue.

Anyone travel with an AED? | Good Sam Community

Go_Dogs
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
Many public places have AEDs, libraries, malls, federal parks, etc.

You, (or the patient)should discuss this issue with their cardiologist. Controlled A-fib is quite common. AEDs are to stop arrhythmias that evolve from the ventricle. If the patient was at risk for ventricular fibrillation, the doctor might consider an internal defibrillator. Possibly, of more concern to you might be the common blood thinners used to control A-fib, as they might contribute to prolonged bleeding.
If you are still concerned about this, confine camping to populated areas, where an AED may be readily available.
appd221
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013
My response is a simple one. I'm only 42 yrs old and I have a wife and two small kids. I purchased life insurance for the peace of mind that if something were to happen to me my wife and kids would be ok. I think this holds true to you as well. Sometimes peace of mind is expensive, but well worth it. We hope to pay a lot of money for an item we hope we never need. Get it and travel well with that peace of mind. It may even be san item that could save a neighbor camper while at a campground.

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