Case for Acquiring an AED at Our Ketamine Clinic
At the age of 25 and standing at 5'5", I've recently taken on a role as a "Spravato technician" within a ketamine treatment facility. It has come to my attention that our clinic is lacking an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a fact that has left all our healthcare providers astonished. I am currently advocating for the acquisition of this critical device and presenting my case to corporate management. My responsibilities primarily involve monitoring patients for elevated blood pressure during the two-hour observation period, and I frequently observe instances of patients experiencing hypertension. In my opinion, this alone should justify the need for an AED in our clinic. However, the corporate stance is that ketamine is not linked to occurrences of cardiac arrest, and they have requested credible references to support my position. Research available on PubMed indicates that while ketamine can lead to tachycardia and increased blood pressure, there are case reports detailing instances where cardiac arrest necessitated defibrillation. Unfortunately, these reports are often seen as anecdotal and fail to establish an official requirement for an AED. I am reaching out to see if anyone can assist in strengthening my argument, as ensuring patient safety is of utmost importance. It feels morally wrong to sacrifice the safety of our patients for financial reasons, and it's casting doubt on my continued affiliation with this organization. Any insights or advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 7:30:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s commendable that you’re advocating for improved patient safety at your clinic by pushing for the acquisition of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Having an AED on hand can indeed be life-saving in emergencies, even if the risk seems low based on current research regarding ketamine. Here are some points to help strengthen your case:
Main Points
- Patient Safety Is Paramount: Even if the incidence of cardiac arrest related to ketamine is low, emergencies can still occur, and having an AED available significantly enhances patient safety.
- Quick Response Is Critical: Cardiac arrest outcomes improve significantly with immediate access to defibrillation. An AED can be used by laypersons and does not require specialized training beyond basic instruction.
- Regulatory and Best Practice Standards: Many healthcare facilities, especially those administering sedation or anesthesia, are advised to have AEDs as part of their emergency preparedness plans.
Explanation
An AED is essential in scenarios where a patient's heart stops beating or is experiencing arrhythmias. While it’s true that the direct connection between ketamine and cardiac arrests may not be widely documented, other factors such as underlying health conditions, anxiety during treatment, or unexpected reactions can pose risks. Moreover, the American Heart Association and several other health organizations recommend that all healthcare settings, especially those that provide sedation and are likely to encounter patients with various medical histories, should have an AED available.
Next Steps
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Compile Data and Cases: Gather case studies, guidelines from the American Heart Association, or similar authoritative sources that mention the need for AEDs in clinical settings. You might find relevant citations that discuss emergency preparedness in outpatient settings or specific guidelines for offices administering sedatives/anesthetics.
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Present a Risk Assessment: Offer a risk assessment that outlines potential emergency situations, even infrequent ones. Include statistics on typical outcomes after cardiac arrest and how an AED can improve survival chances.
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Highlight Legal and Ethical Standards: Emphasize the moral and potential legal implications of not having an AED. Point out that not providing this standard equipment could expose the clinic to liability issues.
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Engage Colleagues: Secure support from other staff members who share your concerns. A united front can reinforce the message that patient safety should be a collective priority.
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Propose Training Solutions: Suggest that if the AED is acquired, you can lead or facilitate training sessions for staff on how to use it, making it easier for management to see its value.
By framing your argument around patient safety, legal standards, and best practices, your case for an AED becomes more compelling. Best of luck with your advocacy efforts! Let me know if you need any more specific references or forms of assistance.
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