What is an AED?

An AED, otherwise known as an automated external defibrillator, is a lifesaving device used in combination with proper CPR technique to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. With calm, instructional prompts, AEDs are designed to quickly guide the user quickly and easily through providing an electrical shock that restores the victim’s heart back to its normal rhythm using electrodes that stick to a person’s chest. AEDs can be semi-automatic, which provides the user control over when a shock will be delivered to the victim, or fully automatic, which automatically delivers a shock to the patient without the need of any prompting from the user. However, both versions will use detection software to help determine the correct time to deliver a shock and will not allow the user to provide it at the wrong time.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States -- accounting for an estimated 325,000 deaths each year. Without treatment, SCA will lead to death within minutes. To ensure the highest chance of survivability, one must immediately call the local emergency number, start CPR, and use an AED. Thankfully, the field of science has made the technology within AEDs easy to use, accurate, and highly effective. They were designed for those who do not have first responder training, but become even more effective when coupled with a basic AED or CPR class.

Is Cardiac Arrest the Same Thing as a Heart Attack?

No, they're different! Contrary to what many people believe, a cardiac arrest is not the same thing as a heart attack. While a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, a cardiac arrest is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart. This can cause the heart to beat irregularly, or to unexpectedly stop beating altogether. Every minute counts in a crisis situation like a cardiac arrest, so it is important to call 9-1-1 and use an AED as soon as possible.

AEDs: They Really Work!

More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year. Using an AED, especially if administered immediately after cardiac arrest, can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. Did you know: only 50% of people can locate an AED at work? With over 10,000 annual cardiac arrests in the workplace, knowing this small piece of information has the potential to save countless lives.