Healthy corner blog
lumify office practice masthead

How Does an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Work?

Cardiac arrest is also a treatable condition that does not have to lead to sudden death

The spark of life


An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable computerized device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock will allow a normal rhythm to resume a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
 

SCA is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and to other vital organs in the body of a human being. Without immediate treatment, SCA may quickly lead to death. Read more about Sudden Cardiac Arrests.

 

The good news is that cardiac arrest is also a treatable condition that does not have to lead to sudden death. If the heart can be shocked quickly with a defibrillator, within minutes after collapse, many victims can survive.
 

What better reason could be for implementing AED programs in any public or private place?
 

Below are some of the most important places where AEDs must be placed.

 

  • All first-response vehicles, including emergency ambulances and fire engines.
  • Public areas such as shopping malls, airports and hotels.
  • The workplaces.
  • Doctors’ offices.
  • Fitness centers.

How Does an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Work?


Before using an AED, please note the following:

 

  • Move the person who is unconscious away from wet areas.
  • Remove all clothing covering the person's chest.
  • Make sure no one is touching the person.
  • Attach the pads to the person's chest as described on the AED's instructions.
  • Place one pad in the right center of the person's chest.
  • Place the other pad in the lower left area of the chest.
  • Press the AED's "analyze" button. It will check to see if the person has a pulse and it will determine if a heart rhythm is shockable.
  • If a shock is needed, the AED will direct you to press the “Shock” button, then, it will deliver a highly effective shock to the heart.
  • If a shock is not indicated, it will instruct you to check the pulse of the victim and to perform CPR to keep blood circulating until emergency help arrives.

When your heart needs care, Philips Takes action.


Philips is the leader in innovative defibrillation technology. It provides the highest quality AED and promises to make it more widely available so that more lives can be saved.

 

  1. It is ready when needed.
    HeartStart FRx AED is a lightweight defibrillator. It can be easily carried to the patient's side. It will deliver a shock, if needed, within 10 seconds. Other AEDs can take up to 3 times longer to deliver the initial shock.

  2. It is designed to be used by anyone.
    You don’t have to be an expert to save a life, just turn the AED on and follow its simple voice instructions. It will guide you through each step of the rescue process from CPR technique, to delivering a shock.

  3. It includes everything you need.
    You can put your device immediately in service. No extras or items to purchase.

  4. It is clinically safe and effective.
    FRx Defibrillator AED is built on many years of research. It uses the safest and most effective biphasic technology, a clinically proven waveform and delivers a highly effective and gentle defibrillation shock to the heart.

  5. Easy to maintain.
    One of the major problems with most AEDS is maintenance. The FRx Defibrillator AED runs comprehensive daily, it self-tests and notifies you immediately when the battery needs to be replaced.

  6. It is designed for the ordinary person in the extraordinary moment.
    It can work effectively even if you put it under water, crush it with up to 500 pounds of pressure or take it to an altitude of 15,000 feet.

    Sudden cardiac arrest is disaster that affects literally everyone. You can’t choose when it will strike. But you can be prepared for it. Choosing Philips is your best decision.

You are about to visit a Philips global content page

Continue

You are about to visit a Philips global content page

Continue

Our site can best be viewed with the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox.