What is an AED?

An Automated External Defibrillator or AED is a small computerized device that analyzes heart rhythm and prompts a rescuer to deliver an electrical shock if needed. An AED makes it possible for non-medical professionals to save the life of someone in cardiac arrest. 

There are many AEDs on the market with different bells and whistles that might appeal to different businesses and rescuers 

In the event of a cardiac incident, rapid response is critical to survival. Emergency medical service response time can range from 8 to 25 minutes, and chances of survival decrease 7 to 10 percent every minute that passes without defibrillation. AEDs can increase survival rates from 50 to 80 percent, when used in conjunction with CPR. 

Semi-automatic AEDs requires the rescuer to push a button in order to shock the victim. 

Fully-automatic AED will automatically shock the victim without pressing anything.

What type of facility do you have?

Where will the AED be stored?

Who will have access to it?

Who will be using the AED? 

Will they have CPR/AED training? 

Are they likely to freeze when it’s time to push the “shock” button?

Most AEDs provide visual and/or audio prompts to begin CPR. Some AEDs provide real-time CPR coaching and feedback to help the rescuer provide adequate compressions.

For example, ZOLL AEDs are equipped with CPR feedback technology that provides assistance on compression rate and depth to ensure delivery of high-quality compressions.

More cost-effective AEDs provide basic auditory prompts and a metronome to guide the rescuer through CPR

Automated external defibrillators are now easy enough to use that most states in the United States include the "good faith" use of an AED by any person under Good Samaritan Laws. "Good faith" protection under a Good Samaritan law means that a volunteer responder (not acting as a part of one's occupation) cannot be held civilly liable for the harm or death of a victim by providing improper or inadequate care. In the United States, Good Samaritan laws provide some protection for the use of AEDs by trained and untrained responders. AEDs create little liability if used correctly