| Automated external defibrillator | |
|---|---|
 An opened and charged AED. This model is semi-automatic, due to the presence of a manual shock button. | |
| Acronym | AED |
| Synonyms | defibrillator, defib |
| Specialty | Cardiology |
| Inventor(s) | Frank Pantridge |
| Related items | Manual defibrillator |
An automated external defibrillator or automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia,[1] and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.
With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layperson, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, certified first responder, and basic life support (BLS) level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes.[2]
The portable version of the defibrillator was invented in the mid-1960s by Frank Pantridge in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the first automatic, public-use defibrillator was produced by the Cardiac Resuscitation Company in the late 1970s. The unit was launched under the name Heart-Aid.[3]
- ^ Kerber, Richard E; Becker, Lance B; Bourland, Joseph D; Cummins, Richard O; Hallstrom, Alfred P; Michos, Mary B; Nichol, Graham; Ornato, Joseph P; Thies, William H; White, Roger D; Zuckerman, Bram D (March 18, 1997). "Automatic External Defibrillators for Public Access Defibrillation". Circulation. 95 (1677–1682). American Heart Association: 1677–82. doi:10.1161/01.cir.95.6.1677. PMID 9118556.
- ^ "CPR Adult Courses". American Red Cross. Archived from the original on 3 July 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
- ^ "Heart-Aid Defibrillator". EMS Museum. Retrieved 2021-07-13.