FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Every Second Counts

by Gtrav

Oct 3, 2008
2008 / June 2008

When I was a young teen, my 49-year old father died of sudden cardiac arrest while we were at home watching his favorite TV show. This was before CPR and 911. My mother quickly called our family doctor, who called the police for an ambulance. We waited helplessly for it to arrive, but all the squad could do was administer oxygen to my unconscious father and transport him to the hospital.

I knew I would probably never see him again.

Sudden cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac death, is the rapid and unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. Characterized by an electrical disturbance in the heart, SCA causes the ventricles that usually help pump blood to quiver, rather than beat in a normal fashion. This abnormal cardiac rhythm is called ventricular fibrillation. During cardiac arrest your brain and vital organs are deprived of oxygen and circulating blood. Without immediate treatment, death may occur within minutes. If you survive, damage to the brain and other organs is a significant possibility.

Prompt treatment, including CPR to keep blood flowing through your body, may save your life. Early defibrillation with an automatic external defibrillator may significantly enhance your chances of survival. AEDs, portable devices about the size of a book that weigh four to six pounds, utilize a microprocessor to analyze heart rhythm and indicate if a shock is needed. Delivered by adhesive electrode pads placed on the victim’s chest, the jolt briefly stops the heart and allows it to restart its normal electrical function.

Ambulances and police cruisers are equipped with AEDs. The devices have also become standard emergency equipment on planes, in shopping malls, at airports and in other public gathering places. Now available over the counter without a prescription, small-business owners and patients at risk for cardiac arrest are purchasing them for home and office. The life-saving devices retail for $1,200 to $1,500.

When considering an AED purchase, visit the FDA Web site at http://www.fda.gov and search “AED” to weed out recalled models. Make sure directions are simple and easy to follow — many come with a training video or DVD — an emergency situation is not the time to figure out how to use an AED. It is also a good idea to review local and state laws pertaining to portable defibrillators.

If you decide to equip your home or office with an AED, be sure everyone knows how to use it. It’s a good idea to develop an emergency plan and review it, along with the AED instructional materials, every three to six months. Consider identifying a response team — a group of individuals trained in CPR who conduct practice drills and are responsible for routine maintenance and battery checks. Make sure the defibrillator is readily accessible. If it’s not immediately visible, install a sign to indicate its location.

Cardiac care and its associated technology have seen great advancements over the last 35 years. Though I regret AEDs were not available when my father suffered sudden cardiac arrest, I am thankful that today the devices may save others from experiencing such a heartbreaking loss. For more information, visit http://www.americanheartassociation.org

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Nov 1, 2024

Check Out The Beach Terrace, The Only Carlsbad Hotel Directly on the Sand

Looking for the perfect destination to unwind and savor the final days of fall or first weeks of winter? Check out the sunny California town of Carlsbad. Located just 45 minutes north of San Diego, Carlsbad embodies the classic Southern California lifestyle for those looking for that winter escape without the chilly temperatures. The 48-room Beach Terrace is Carlsbad’s only hotel directly on the sand, and with November and December weather still in the 60s and 70s, it is an oasis of relaxation to soak up the sun without the summer crowds.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

Daily
Nov 1, 2024

SWISS First Lounge Named World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining

Swiss International Air Lines recently ranked No. 1 in the World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining category for its first-class lounge in Terminal E at Zürich Airport in the 2024 World Culinary Awards.

Daily
Nov 1, 2024

Embark on Chile’s Lakes & Volcanoes Route

While Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine are already well-known Chilean destinations for U.S. adventure travelers, the more recently established Lakes & Volcanoes Route is an up-and-coming circuit distinct for its breathtaking fusion of landscapes shaped by active volcanoes and glacial lakes.

Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet

Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.

Daily
Nov 1, 2024

Peter Sommer Travels Launches New Aegean Türkiye Tour

Guests on Peter Sommer Travels’ new land-based Exploring Aegean Turkey Tour will explore the county’s winding coast south on an exploration through the ancient world. Along the way, enjoy the finest local and traditional cuisine, as well as luxury accommodations including a grand merchant’s house dating back to the 1800s, a winery and a rustic guesthouse.

October 2024
Oct 30, 2024

Enhance Your Flying Experience with These Handy Devices

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones  These wireless over-ear headphones from Bose won multiple awards and received rave reviews for best-in-class noise-cancelling technology and amazing sound quality. Available in white, sandstone or black, QuietComfort Ultra boast up to 24 hours battery life and are compatible with the Bose app, letting you customize your audio settings. Immersive Audio technology brings sound to life, and multipoint connectivity means you can easily switch between two devices at once. $429.

Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight

As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.

Daily
Oct 30, 2024

Things to Do in Santa Barbara’s ARTS District

Formerly known as the Historic Theatre District, the recently renamed ARTS District in Santa Barbara, California, offers travelers an array of cultural attractions.