An automatic external defibrillator (AED) monitors heart rhythm and administers a shock to restore normal rhythm during a cardiac emergency. It is one of four critical steps to increase survival chances, and is easy to use but training is recommended. AEDs are found in public places and can be used by laymen.
An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is a life-saving machine that is used to monitor a person’s heart rhythm and let the machine operator know if the person’s heart needs a shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. If the person requires a shock to the heart due to a cardiac emergency, the machine verbally informs the operator. The shock that is administered, called defibrillation, helps the faltering heart restore an adequate rhythm.
Defibrillation is considered one of four critical steps to increase the chances of survival of a person who has experienced sudden cardiac arrest. The first step is to provide quick access to medical care, which involves calling 911 or another emergency care number. The next step is to administer CPR. The third step involves using the AED to provide early defibrillation. The fourth step involves providing advanced cardiac support when needed. Defibrillation is the most important step in ensuring a return to a normal heart rhythm for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.
The first step in using an AED is to turn on the machine. When the power is on, the AED instructs the person using it to place two electrode pads on the chest of the person who may have abnormal heart rhythms. These electrodes are supplied with the machine. The AED monitors the person’s heart rhythm through the electrode pads. In the event the heart requires a shock, the machine not only tells the rescuer to deliver defibrillation, but also prompts him to press the shock button and walk away from the affected individual during the shock.
An AED is designed to be very easy to use and is about the size of a laptop. However, training is considered necessary to provide the rescuer with a solid understanding of how defibrillation works as part of emergency cardiac stabilization and rescue. Because an AED can save lives, police, fire personnel, and emergency medical technicians are generally trained in their use. Sometimes even laymen may be called upon to use them, and there are laws in every state that protect ordinary people who use them to attempt to rescue victims of heart emergencies. These machines are found in a variety of places where large numbers of people congregate, such as shopping malls, schools, community centers, corporate buildings, and even sports stadiums; even airports usually have them.
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