what is aed

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses and treats life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. AEDs are designed for use by laypersons with very little training, and they are capable of automatically detecting two forms of cardiac arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms: ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. If either of these rhythms is detected by the AED, the device delivers a controlled electric shock to the victim. AEDs are commonly located in most offices and public buildings, and they are also used by non-medical personnel such as police, firefighters, flight attendants, and security guards who are trained to use them.