What Is a Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and How Does It Save Lives?

What Is a Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and How Does It Save Lives?
Arcyon Group is specialist in defibrillators. But what is a defibrillator and how exactly does such a device work?
Defibrillator:
You may have heard terms like ‘defibrillator,’ ‘AED,’ or ‘automated external defibrillator’ and wondered what they are. We’re here to answer some of the most common questions about defibrillators and help guide you on your learning journey.
What is a defibrillator?
An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a medical device used during Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). When the electrode pads are properly placed on the patient, the device analyzes the heart’s rhythm to determine if an electrical shock is needed. If necessary, the defibrillator will deliver the shock automatically, depending on whether your AED model is fully or semi-automatic.
How common is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?
Every year, over 300,000 people in Turkey suffer from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Without the use of defibrillators or CPR, fewer than 5% survive. Each minute without defibrillation decreases the chances of survival by 10%.
Will a defibrillator restart your heart?
A defibrillator works by sending energy to a heart that is quivering or not functioning correctly. If the device determines that a shock is required, it delivers a controlled pulse of energy to help return the heart to its normal rhythm.
Will a defibrillator kill you?
No, a defibrillator will only deliver a shock if it detects an abnormal heart rhythm that requires defibrillation. Without this intervention, the patient would not survive, making the AED a crucial device in such situations.
Who can use a defibrillator?
Anyone can use a defibrillator because it’s designed to be easy and safe. All you need to do is place the electrodes on the patient’s bare chest.
When is a Defibrillator Used?
A defibrillator, or AED, is used when someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest—they are unconscious and not breathing.
When is a Defibrillator Needed?
A defibrillator is needed during sudden cardiac arrest, as it’s the only treatment that can save the person’s life.
Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic Defibrillators
Both semi-automatic and fully automatic defibrillators are designed to monitor the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if needed. The main difference is how that shock is delivered. A fully automatic defibrillator gives the shock on its own, when necessary, without any extra steps from the person using it. On the other hand, a semi-automatic defibrillator requires the user to press a button to deliver the shock manually. Only semi-automatic models have this “shock button” feature, which gives the user control over when the shock is applied. Click here to check out our full range of defibrillators.