AED-Automated External Defibrillator

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that is used to automatically restore a normal heart rhythm to a patient that goes into cardiac arrest. It is worn outside the body and analyses the patient's heart rhythm. It then advices on whether a shock is needed in order to help restore a normal rhythm. When the patient's heart begins to beat normally again, the heart has been defibrillated. It can be a life-saving device as there is not much time involved during cardiac arrest before it can become fatal. Ventricular fibrillation is often caused by heart attacks and other heart conditions.

Places like doctor's surgeries and airports often hold defibrillators in case of emergencies. Patients that are likely to go into cardiac arrest may be prescribed a defibrillator to keep in the home. The AEB is a small computer with electrodes and electrical circuitry that collect information about the heartbeat. If the AED recommends that a shock is needed, then this is delivered through the use of adhesive electrode pads, which stops all activity in the heart giving it a chance to restart a normal rhythm again. It should not be used on a patient who has a pulse or when the patient is touching other people. There are smaller pads especially made for children.

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