An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that is used to deliver an electric shock to the heart in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed to be used by people who may not have medical training, such as laypeople, first responders, or trained volunteers.
When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, their heart may go into a dangerous rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF), in which the heart's electrical activity becomes chaotic and disorganized. An AED can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.
AEDs typically have clear, simple instructions that guide users through the process of using the device. They may include visual and auditory prompts to assist the user in delivering the shock correctly. The use of AEDs has been shown to improve survival rates for people who experience sudden cardiac arrest.
