The Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can be used in the event of a person's cardiopulmonary arrest. Its role is to analyze the person's cardiac activity and deliver electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Early defibrillation is crucial in this context because it can increase the person's chances of survival by up to 75%. For this reason, fully automatic defibrillators (AEDs) or semi-automatic defibrillators (AEDs) have been created to allow for rapid intervention.
These devices are designed to be used by first responders as well as the general public, as it is important to have these tools nearby in case of an emergency. Fully automatic defibrillators (AEDs) are capable of analyzing the heart rhythm and delivering an electric shock if necessary without operator intervention, while semi-automatic defibrillators (AEDs) require operator intervention to deliver the electric shock.
Automated external defibrillators are vital tools to increase the chances of survival in the event of a cardiopulmonary arrest. They are easy to use and can be used by first responders or members of the general public. It is therefore important to have them on hand in case of an emergency.
Definition and Meaning
An adult defibrillator is a medical device that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm in a person with ventricular fibrillation (a type of life-threatening heart arrhythmia) or ventricular tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rhythm). The defibrillator sends electrical impulses through the person's chest, resetting the heart rhythm. Defibrillators are often used in emergency situations, such as sudden cardiac arrest, and are commonly available in hospitals, emergency departments, airplanes and public places. Defibrillators can be used by trained health care professionals or by individuals trained in their use in an emergency.
How an AED works
An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable, battery-powered device that analyzes the cardiac activity of a person in cardiorespiratory arrest. The analysis is fully automatic, eliminating the need for the rescuer to make a decision. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED delivers an electric shock, also called defibrillation, using electrodes placed on the victim's skin.
History
The first commercially available automatic defibrillator was introduced in 1994.
Impact on the chances of survival
Early defibrillation combined with cardiopulmonary resuscitation significantly increases the chances of survival (by about 75%) for a victim in cardiopulmonary arrest with ventricular fibrillation, which is the leading cause of sudden death in adults.
Use by the general public
In order to perform this medical procedure as quickly as possible, fully automatic defibrillators (AED) or semi-automatic defibrillators (AED) have been designed. They automatically diagnose ventricular fibrillation thanks to electrocardiographic tracing analysis software and can be used by both rescue workers and the general public.