An automated external
defibrillator or AED is a portable
electronic device that automatically diagnoses
the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias
of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient,[1]
and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical
therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an
effective rhythm.
Operation of AED
An AED is external because the operator applies
the electrode pads to the bare chest of the victim, as opposed to internal defibrillators,
which have electrodes
surgically implanted inside the body of a patient.
Automatic refers to the unit's ability to
autonomously analyse the patient's condition, and to assist this, the vast
majority of units have spoken prompts, and some may also have visual displays
to instruct the user.
When turned on or opened, the AED will instruct the
user to connect the electrodes (pads) to the patient. Once the pads are
attached, everyone should avoid touching the patient. A Heart beat sensor is
attached to the patient to allow the AED to examine the electrical output from
the heart and determine if the patient is in a shockable rhythm (either
ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia). If the device determines
that a shock is warranted, it will use the battery to charge its internal
capacitor in preparation to deliver the shock. This system is not only safer
(charging only when required), but also allows for a faster delivery of the
electrical current.
When charged, the device instructs the user to
ensure no one is touching the victim and then to press a button to deliver the
shock; human intervention is usually required to deliver the shock to the
patient in order to avoid the possibility of accidental injury to another
person (which can result from a responder or bystander touching the patient at
the time of the shock).
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