Automated External Defibrillator

An automated external defibrillator is essentially a portable and handy device that is commonly used to restore the normal heart rhythm of a person in cardiac arrest. This is applied outside the body and automatically analyzes the heart rate of the patient and prompts the medical provider if the patient requires shock to restore the normal rhythm of the heart. Once the patient’s heart resumes its normal beat, it is considered defibrillated.

When Is An Automated External Defibrillator Used?

It is only required in treatment of cardiac arrest, and known to be a life-saving device since sudden cardiac arrest can often prove fatal if no immediate treatment will be administered in the first several critical minutes. To fully understand the important purpose of the automated external defibrillator, one need to fully understand that heart attack causes ventricular fibrillation, which basically results to electrical signals in the lower area of the heart rendered ineffective and uncoordinated. This will result to a very little amount of blood pumped from the heart to the rest of the body, including the lungs. Hence, if not immediately administered, it can possibly result to cardiac arrest. Many doctors and medical practitioners often recommended the use of automated external defibrillator for home use for patients with serious heart conditions. Automated defibrillators are also available in most large public establishments and facilities such as airports and office buildings.

How Does It Work?

A typical automated external defibrillator consists of the small computer or what is known as the microprocessor and electric circuitry. The electrode efficiently collects data from the patient’s heart rhythm and the microprocessor will interpret the recorded heart rhythm. If victim’s heart is indeed in a ventricular fibrillation, then the small computer will immediately recommend a defibrillating shock, which will be delivered to the body with the use of adhesive electrode pads attached to the victim’s chest. For small children who also have heart ailments, low-powered electrode pads are also available. Once applied, the electric shock stuns the heart for a short time effectively stopping any activity. This will give the heart a chance to restart to its normal activity and continue effective beating, and therefore reviving the patient.

Are There Risks Involved In Using The Automated Defibrillator?

For most trained users, this device can be used safely and effectively, although improper use can also trigger an electric shock to the operator, especially if the operator was not instructed to avoid touching the patient while administering the said device. Other risks include the possibility of skin burns, abnormal heart rhythms and possible blood clots.


An important guideline that any defibrillator operator should remember is to never use the device on patients with pulse and where patient is touching water or in contact with other people.

According to statistics, about 95% of unexpected cardiac arrest victims die before even reaching the hospital mainly because of the prolonged length of time it takes for the emergency personnel to reach the scene. The availability and accessibility of emergency defibrillators, especially in public areas practically doubles the chances of survival since trained operators can immediately administer first aid well writhing the initial critical moments of the attack. With such undeniable importance, emergency defibrillators should be readily available in schools, offices, athletic facilities and organizations in anticipation for possible emergencies that may require the use of the said device. In fact, some states have mandated the efficient deployment of defibrillators in strategic locations in public places and in other facilities for accessibility is critically important.

So if someone in you family has a serious heart ailment, consider investing one in your home and encourage every member to be trained on how to properly use it.