AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. An AED is a small medical device that is used to restore a regular heart rhythm for people who are having a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) which is often confused for a heart attack.  

Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Sudden Cardiac Death

Most cases of SCA occur when the person’s heart starts beating in a rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib). The heart quivers very fast instead of contracting and relaxing to pump blood through the body. The person will not have a pulse and death will occur within a few minutes if the heart does not resume a normal rhythm. When this occurs blood stops flowing to vital organs, such as the brain. Chest compressions can help circulate blood through the body but defibrillation with an AED is needed right away. Immediate CPR and defibrillation within 3-5 minutes give the best chance of survival and recovery. Failure to do so could result in Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).

Automated External Defibrillator - The Components and How They Function

An AED consists of a small computer unit, wires, and adhesive electrode pads. When an AED is brought to help a person in cardiac arrest, the electrode pads are placed on the person’s chest. The patches allow the AED computer to analyze the heart rhythm and check for V-fib. If the heart is in V-fib, the AED will administer an electrical shock through the patches. This is called defibrillation and it can restore a regular heart rhythm. The shock stops the heart for a moment so that it can start pumping and relaxing normally when it restarts.  

AEDs are kept in public places so that ordinary people can treat cardiac arrest before emergency medical help arrives. They are often kept in cabinets on the wall like fire extinguishers. All CPR courses include training about how to use an AED. AEDs also have recorded voice instructions that guide rescuers through every step of defibrillation. Non-medical people with no training can successfully use modern AEDs to save lives. 

Is an AED Safe to Use Without Training?

AEDs are very safe to use because they will only deliver an electrical shock if the patches show that the person’s heart is in V-fib. The computers within AED units are very good at detecting whether or not a shock should be given. AED units will not shock anyone by accident. Even if the patient is not suffering from SCA, it is best to deploy the AED to make sure the person has the best chances of survival. AEDs are designed with the average person in mind. They are safe and easy to use. All it takes is the initiative to respond to an emergency situation. 

Who Should Buy an AED? 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to people of any age, anywhere at any time. AEDs are easy-to-use defibrillators and they can make the difference between life and death. You don’t have to be a medical professional to use an AED and prevent Sudden Cardiac Death. With an AED, you or anyone nearby can act quickly to give a defibrillation shock while waiting for EMS to arrive. You can have peace of mind knowing that you have an AED ready to save someone’s life.  

AEDs should be located in all public access areas including:

• Schools
• Health and Fitness Facilities
• Stores and Shopping Malls
• Swimming Pools
• Airports
• Offices
• Public transportation 
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DiaMedical is Here to Help You

Medical emergencies are unforeseeable and can be severe. Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen anywhere. Defibrillation and CPR are required in cases of SCA. DiaMedical USA is proud to offer a variety of AEDs for all types of organizations and locations. For more information on purchasing AEDs, reach out to a DiaMedical USA expert at 877-593-6011 or info@diamedicalusa.com 

Fast AED Facts

• An AED can make the difference between life and death for a person who is having a sudden cardiac arrest. 
• The only known treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is defibrillation with an AED.
• Chances of surviving SCA are reduced by 7-10% with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation.