An AED can save the life of someone that has just suffered a heart attack. Defibrillators were historically only available in emergency rooms and could be administered only by healthcare professionals. Today, with the advent of AEDs, lives can be saved in the home, workplace, schools, airports and virtually any public setting. AEDs operate in the same fashion as defibrillators in healthcare settings, with the exception that they are portable and most of them offer audio instructions to guide the user.

The user begins by placing pads onto the victim’s chest. Most AEDs will proceed to assess the victim’s heart rhythm. The AED is programmed to detect normal heart rhythms and if the AED determines that the heart rhythm is irregular, the audio instructions will prompt the user to take the next action. Audio instructions will guide the user through the remainder of the process.
AEDs utilize disposable batteries for power. The device is continuously performing self-checks to verify that the AED battery is charged and other functions are working properly. The AED chirps if any irregularities have been detected.

When a victim suffers a heart attack and requires the assistance of an AED, their heart has experienced some sort of irregular rhythm that has caused the heart to slow dramatically or stop completely. AEDs function by providing electric currents to the heart through electrodes in the pads placed on the chest. These electric currents travel to the heart, cause the heart to spasm, and bring the regular heart rhythm back.

Users can discard any apprehension that they may have because their lack of healthcare experience or knowledge because most AEDs offer detailed audio guidance. The audio guidance is offered in a basic and general format that anyone can understand. Virtually anyone including bystanders and good Samaritans can simply pick up the AED and begin tending to a heart attack victim. Heart attack victims no longer have to remain unconscious for sometimes more than ten-minutes before emergency medical technicians arrive on the scene. AEDs can be a life-saving addition to any home, office, school, store or public setting that is frequented by patrons every day.