AED - Automatic External Defibrillator

What is an AED ?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that diagnoses and treats cardiac arrest by re-establishing an effective heart rhythm.

The use of AEDs is taught in many basic life support classes.

There are two main types of AEDs on the market today: semi-automatic and fully-automatic.

Semi-automatic AEDs prompt the user to stand clear and then to push a shock button to defibrillate.

Fully-automatic units sound a stand clear voice prompt and then deliver the shock automatically without the user having to push a button.

Are they easy to use?

They are very easy to use with the minimal amount of training, they are design to be used by people with no medical background.

Could it shock a live patient?

No, they are designed in such a way that an AED will only deliver a shock to a patient who needs it.

How much do they cost?

The cost of an AED varies greatly, entry level AED's start around £1000 and go up to £3500 for top of the range models