What Is an Automated External Defibrillator?
An automated external defibrillator is a lightweight, portable machine containing a computer that analyzes a patient's cardiac rhythm, delivering an electrical shock when necessary. The electrical shock is delivered upon recognition of a disturbance in the heart's conductive system (cardiac arrest).
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Types
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There are two types of AEDs: semi-automatic and fully automatic. Semi-automatic defibrillators require the rescuer to press a button to deliver a shock. Fully automatic units deliver a shock to a patient independent of the rescuer.
Features
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AEDs are self-contained and communicate with the rescuer when activated. Chest pads for adults and children will accompany an AED. Pads are clearly marked with images of a child or adult and feature placement instruction.
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Monophasic/Biphasic
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A monophasic defibrillator sends a single shock from one chest pad to the other. A biphasic defibrillator sends a single shock back and forth between chest pads. Biphasic defibrillators will adjust energy according to resistance between the chest pads, causing less damage to the heart.
Ventricular Fibrillation
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Ventricular fibrillation is a cardiac condition in which the heart has adequate electrical energy, but it is disorganized. VF will prevent the heart muscle from contracting and pumping blood and is a shockable rhythm with an AED.
Ventricular Tachycardia
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Ventricular tachycardia is a condition in which the heart is beating too fast. V-tach does not allow the heart's chambers to fill with enough blood, resulting in insufficient circulation to the body. V-tach is a shockable rhythm with an AED.
Effects
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AEDs increase survival chances for the cardiac arrest patient. Used in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardiac arrest (cessation of heart activity) can be managed until advanced life support can be provided.
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References
- Photo Credit heart beat image by Alex White from Fotolia.com
