What does AED stand for?
• What is an AED? An AED is a device used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. Built-in computer access the patient’s heart rhythm, judge whether defibrillation is needed and then administer the shock. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user through the process. • How does an AED work? A microprocessor inside the defibrillator interprets (analyzes) the victim’s heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes. The computer analyzes the heart rhythm and advises the operator whether a shock is needed. AED’s advise a shock only for ventricular fibrillation and fast ventricular tachycardia. The electric current is delivered through the victim’s chest wall through adhesive electrode pads. • Why are AED’s important? AED’s strength the chain of survival. They can restore a normal heart rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest victims. Also, new portable models allow more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. When a person suffers a sudd
