What are AEDs?
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) may look like toys, but they can be used by lay people with only minimal training to revive people who are suffering a cardiac arrest. The AED is a small compact device, with only a couple of buttons and a pair of self-stick pads called electrodes. The electrodes are placed on the victims chest, and are use to deliver an electrical current to the victims heart. When the electrodes are placed onto the victim, the AED defibrillator will analyze the victim’s heart, and determine if an electrical shock is indicated. If a shock is indicated, the AED will advise the user to deliver the shock by pressing the shock button. As soon as the AED is activated, it will begin to give directions to the user. It does this by voice directions and text directions located on a screen on the AED. The sequence of the AED is so easy to use; the rescuer will feel confident they are doing everything correctly. AEDs have been programmed to be able to accurately determine
