Automated External Defibrillator What is an AED? An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable device that can save lives by shocking the heart back to normal rhythm. They're often seen in public places like airports and shopping malls. Why does an AED need to be used? If the heart stops beating, the body is unable to survive. Vital organs that need oxygen can die. When an AED is placed on the body, it can sense the heart's electrical activity. It knows whether the heart is beating properly. In cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating at a normal rhythm. An AED can shock the heart and restore its electrical activity. Studies have shown that people are most likely to survive cardiac arrest if they get an electrical shock within three to five minutes. By the time they reach the hospital, it's often too late. By having AEDs in public places, many lives have been saved by ordinary people following simple directions. How is an AED used? An AED has detailed instructions and pictures telling you what to do. When you turn it on, it also speaks instructions to you. It's fairly simple to use. The device lets you know what it's doing and what it's about to do. For example, it may say "analyzing." That means it's sensing the heart's activity. It may then say "stand clear" before it delivers a shock. How long does it take to use an AED? An AED can be ready to use in a few seconds. After turning on the AED, you need to put sticky pads on the victim. Then you let the device do the rest. What are the risks of using an AED? An AED can't hurt the victim. It will not give a shock unless it is absolutely needed. In the case of cardiac arrest, the person's heart isn't providing proper blood flow, so the AED can only help. If you're the one using the AED to help someone, make sure that no one is touching the victim when the AED gets ready to give a shock. The American Heart Association has programs to train people on using AEDs. Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians American Heart Association American Red Cross Food and Drug Administration National Institutes of Health (NIH)
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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