People may think that emergency personnel are the only ones who can save lives.

But many ordinary people can save lives in an emergency situation, and the task is made easier with the help of emergency equipment such as defibrillators.

Defibrillators deliver a shock to a person who is unresponsive and breathing abnormally. Emergency professionals carry defibrillators, but they're not just available to professionals anymore.

Defibrillators are available to

anyone

because of a ruling last year by the federal Food and Drug Administration that removed the need for a prescription. The devices are known as automated external defibrillators, or AEDs.

The AEDs come with instructions on how and where on the chest to put the pads. The AED then analyzes the heart and tells the user whether or not to push the button that delivers the shock.

The chance of survival during cardiac arrest decreases by 10 percent every minute that defibrillation is not delivered. Emergency medical professionals take an average of nine minutes to reach a home, which is why some consumers wanted a defibrillator they could use at home.

Klingensmith, one of the county's leading sellers of medical supplies with an office in Butler, does not sell AEDs yet.

However, last year Butler Memorial Hospital bought 19 AEDs for fire departments, state parks and other emergency professionals. No more defibrillators have been bought since then, according to Melissa Allen, a spokeswoman for the hospital.

Allen also said the hospital has no record of an AED being used by a citizen in the county, except for incidents involving emergency personnel.

Emergency incidents in which AEDs were used occurred in 2000, 2001, and 2003, but none have happened since.

Slippery Rock University bought 14 AEDs last year for use at the university. They are in Old Main, North Hall, Wisenfluh Dining Hall, University Union, in the training room of Morrow Field House, Bailey Library, Health Center, safety office, recreation center service desk, Stover/West Gym lobby, stadium training room, facilities/planning office, and in police cruisers.

The AEDs were bought to protect the students and staff. More than 60 staff members have been trained to use the AEDs, but anyone can use them.

Some of the wall-mounted AEDs sound an alarm when they are used.

Carl Schwab, a spokesman for SRU, said there is no record of the AEDs being used yet, and there also is no record of any being stolen or tampered with. The AEDs are checked monthly and the batteries are tested.

The American Red Cross offers certification in using AEDs, according to Gina Weiland, educational services director. AED certification is given during classes in standard first aid, adult CPR, community first aid and safety, and CPR for the professional rescuer.

"Any class that offers training and certification in adult CPR also offers training and certification in AED use," Weiland said.

For information about classes on using AEDs, call the Red Cross at 724-283-2810.

AEDs cost between $1,500 to $3,500 each, with accessories such as a carrying case, batteries, and additional pads costing extra.