Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

(AED)

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a medical event in which the heart’s rhythm becomes erratic, and the heart can’t pump oxygenated blood to the brain or other vital organs. Unless a normal heart rhythm is restored within a short time, death is virtually inevitable. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a compact and portable, battery-operated device used to automatically deliver measured electrical shocks in order to reestablish the heart’s normal rhythm. The simple operation of AEDs makes them suitable for public places, to be used by those who have basic Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and AED training. The AED circuitry is designed to analyze cardiac rhythm and inform the operator whether a shock is indicated. Electrode pads on the victim transmit information to the device for both monitoring and shock therapy. Once activated, AEDs have voice and text which will guide the user through a few simple steps. The AED will NOT electrically shock the victim unless the unit’s pre-programmed computer indicates that a shock is necessary—at which time, a “voice prompt” will warn bystanders to not touch the patient during the shock phase.

 

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