Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): The Basics

By: Lindsay Barton MomsTeam Health & Safety Editor

Reviewed: by Glenn Laub, MD

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are:

• New, lightweight and portable, battery-operated consisting of a computerized, battery-operated device resembling a colorful, over-inflated computer and a pair of self-stick pads called electrodes, that use defibrillation to restore a regular heartbeat after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) caused by undiagnosed heart problems or commotio cordis;

• Are suitable for use by trained lay persons. Such use is permitted by "Good Samaritan Laws" in every state, which generally protect the rescuer, owner of the device and medical director who oversees the program from civil tort liability. AEDs are specifically designed for use by non-medical personnel to revive people in cardiac arrest; and

• Are relatively inexpensive (the MomsTeam-approved Defibtech AED starts at $1,495.00).

Like Defibrillators On TV, Only Automatic

Most people are familiar with defibrillators from having seen them used on medical dramas and reality shows on television. A physician calls out a setting, makes sure no one is touching the unconscious victim, and holds a set of paddles on the victim's chest while someone else delivers a shock.

AEDs do the same thing except the machine determines how strong a shock is given, the sticky pads take the place of the paddles, and you press the 'Shock' button after making sure no one is touching the victim. Unlike manual defibrillators used by paramedics and physicians, the important decisions are made by the AED.

How An AED Works

Once an AED is turned on and the pads are placed on the victim's bare chest (one about halfway between the right nipple and the right collarbone and the other on the left side about two inches below the left armpit), it immediately begins analyzing the victim's heart rhythm and providing directions to the operator, via both spoken and text directions displayed on a faceplate on the AED itself. If the AED senses that the victim is in cardiac arrest, it advises the operator in a matter of seconds to push a button to deliver a shock.

Next To Foolproof

As long as an AED is turned on, it is designed to be next to foolproof:

• It will not prompt the operator to go to the next step until the previous step has been completed;

• It provides a direction sequence that is so logical, well defined, and well documented, that rescuers remain calm, even those with little or no experience in responding to cardiac emergencies. One study showed that 6th grade students with a brief orientation to the device could safely administer a shock in a time no longer than highly skilled paramedics. It takes only about 4 hours of training to be certified to use an AED;

• It will not allow a shock to be administered unless the person is actually in cardiac arrest.

Updated July 6, 2006
Published March 4, 2004

Related Articles

 AED Frequently Asked Questions
 AED Purchase Information
 AED Training: Essential Information
 American Heart Association CPR Guidelines
 Assessing Community Readiness For An AED Program
 Automated External Defibrillators: The Basics
 The Cardiac Chain Of Survival
 Commotio Cordis
 Developing A Mission Statement And Statement of Need
 Estimating AED Program Costs
 Forming An AED Committee
 Funding AED Programs
 Glossary of Cardiac Care Terms
 Good Samaritan Laws And AEDs
 Identifying A Champion Before Starting An AED Program
 Information To Know BEFORE Making A 911 Call
 Medical Director/Physician Oversight: An Essential Part Of An AED Program
 MomsTeam AED Comparison Chart
 Obtaining Medical Direction For Your AED Program
 One Mom's Mission: Karen Acompora
 One Mom's Mission: Rachel Moyer
 Saving Lives Of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims: What Every Community Should Know
 Starting, Implementing And Running An AED/PAD Program: A Checklist
 Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) And Heart Attacks
 Use of Automated External Defibrillators for Children
 What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Printer-friendly Version

Send MomsTeam Feedback