https://first-aid-online.co.uk/aspod/aspod-emergency-aspirin-holder/
Why it’s so important
Research shows that it takes 14 minutes for a chewed soluble tablet to produce maximal platelet inhibition, and a swallowed tablet 26 minutes.
Demonstrating that, when chewed, soluble aspirin is the most effective way of accelerating absorption of aspirin into the blood and shortening the time required for an anti-platelet effect, the anti-platelet effect stops an existing clot from worsening.
However, there are several issues connected with carrying soluble aspirin in pockets, bags or wallets:
- During a suspected heart attack the patient may be unable to locate the aspirin
- If located, the patient may be unable to open the aspirin foil
- If the patient was unable to administer the aspirin themselves, it would not be apparent to a ‘first aider’, that aspirin was being carried and should be taken as a matter of urgency
- Aspirin is extremely susceptible to dampness; this will cause it to lose its stability, become less effective, and may smell of vinegar
- Aspirin, is particularly prone to break into smaller particles (friability), and is likely to be powdered when needed and therefore difficult to take
The ASPOD® design team and engineers eliminated these problems during the two year design and development stage. It will ensure that, when needed, an emergency dose of 300mg aspirin is easily accessible and in a stable condition.
The ASPOD® device was conceived, designed, and manufactured in the United Kingdom. It is slim, light, and little larger than a 50p coin. ASPOD’s unique x2mlock™ design means that aspirin will remain dry and stable for at least six months once placed in the device.
Customers can register their ASPOD® online and will be reminded, via email, to change the aspirin every six months.
Cool features
The ASPOD® is manufactured in ‘pharmacy green’ and made from robust, scratch resistant polymers and designed to fasten onto, or act as, a key ring.
In order to make it easier to add keys onto the ASPDOD® key ring, we have moved from the conventional round key ring to a ‘G ring’. This has a leading edge, which protrudes slightly into the centre of the ring, and no pressure is required to open the ring.
The ASPOD® can also be hung from a belt loop, handbag, sports bag, or rucksack by using the sturdy metal belt clip supplied. By using custom made (inert) Pharmagraf ™ pads, tablet movement and rattle has been eliminated, tablets will not be tainted, the pads are coloured grey and will not be mistaken for a tablet!
The ASPOD® has been designed to have high visibility in order to attract the attention of ‘first aiders’ in cases where the patient may be unable to administer the aspirin themselves.
Also provided with the device is an info-loop™. The info-loop™ attaches to the ASPOD®, and because it is luminous it makes the ASPOD® easily accessible, even in the dark. The Info-loop™ also carries critical information outlining the correct procedure to be followed in the case of a suspected heart attack.
By using a permanent marker pen the patient’s name, together with an emergency contact telephone number, can be added to the info-loop™. This will provide emergency services with vital information.
The case for immediate asprin
‘Immediate’ aspirin has been proven to reduce deaths from heart attack by 20-25% and the earlier it is taken during a heart attack, the greater the benefit. If sudden severe chest pain is experienced a single 300mg tablet of soluble aspirin should immediately be chewed and swallowed, together with a drink of water if readily available.
Aspirin has also been shown to be beneficial if taken for a sudden worsening of anginal pain (unstable angina). A patient who has unstable angina and whose chest pain suddenly becomes worse, or who experiences anginal pain when resting, should also chew and swallow a single 300mg soluble aspirin without delay.
Soluble aspirin tablets should not be swallowed whole.