What Does AED Stand For?

April 1, 2021

At Defibtech, we talk a lot about AEDs, but do you know what AED stands for? AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. An AED is used to help save the life of someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. We are dedicated to increasing survival from sudden cardiac arrest. Our vision is to lead explosive growth in Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage and transform pre-hospital treatment of sudden cardiac arrest.
 
Why are we so passionate about saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest? According to Parent Heart Watch, sudden cardiac arrest affects 365,000 people per year across the United States. Less than 10% of these people survive. According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest claims more lives than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires COMBINED.
 
The only way to save someone who is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest is with immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the quick shock of an AED. This is where we help. Defibtech has deployed more than 400,000 units globally and has drawn accolades for its commitment to saving lives by producing the best AEDs medical technology can offer. Our AEDs can be found in airports, airplanes, public transportation, schools, office buildings, gyms, healthcare facilities, waterway vessels, emergency vehicles, and more!
 
Many people are still afraid to use an AED. They are unsure if they are qualified and they don’t want to do something wrong. Remember, ANYONE can use an AED. Just follow these simple steps:
 

Step 1:

 
Power on the AED. Our Lifeline AEDs have a very clear, green “on” button. Once you press the button, the machine will start talking to you. It will first tell you to “call for help.” If you have not called 9-1-1 yet, call 9-1-1 immediately.
 

Step 2:

 
Next, the AED will tell you to “remove pads from package in back of unit.” Defibtech AEDs make the pads easy to find! Just turn the machine around and you will see the defibrillator pads pack in the back of the unit.
 

Step 3:

 
The AED will now tell you to “apply pads to patient’s bare chest as shown.” It is important that the patient’s chest is completely bare. The pads cannot be placed over any type of clothing. The pads have pictures on them. When you tear open the defibrillator pads package you will see one picture showing a pad on the right side of the patient’s chest underneath the collar bone. The other picture will show a pad being placed on the person’s left side, under the armpit. Place the pads firmly as they are shown in the pictures.

 
Step 4:

 
Once the AED pads are placed correctly the machine will say, “analyzing heart rhythm, do not touch the patient.” It is important to make sure no one is touching the patient at this time. Look up and down the body. Loudly state, “Stand clear.” If the machine determines a shock is needed, it will say, “Shock Advised. Charging. Stand Clear.” Again, look up and down the body. Loudly state, “Stand clear.”
 

Step 5:

 
Once the AED machine has finished charging, it will say, “Press flashing shock button.” Defibtech AEDs have a bright shock button found on the front of the unit. Press this button when it is flashing and the AED tells you to.
 

Step 6:

 
Once you deliver the first shock, the AED machine will say, “Shock one delivered. It is safe to touch the patient. Begin CPR now.” You can now provide CPR to the person. NEVER remove the pads. Perform CPR with the defibrillator pads still on the body. You will hear a metronome that will give you the perfect beat to provide chest compressions. The AED will allow you to provide CPR for two minutes. After two minutes that machine will re-analyze and determine if a second shock is needed. This process will continue until EMS arrives.
 
Every situation is different. If the AED is used very quickly, one shock might bring the person back to being responsive and breathing. If this happens, you do not need to provide CPR, but you need to monitor the person until EMS arrives. The person might go back into cardiac arrest again, if this happens, start CPR immediately.
 
To learn more about Defibtech and to join us on our quest to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, visit www.Defibtech.com.
 
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#:~:text=Heart%20disease%20is%20the%20leading,1%20in%20every%204%20deaths.
 
https://parentheartwatch.org/resources/what-is-sca/
 
https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/cpr-facts-and-stats#:~:text=Globally%2C%20cardiac%20arrest%20claims%20more,firearms%2C%20and%20house%20fires%20combined.
 
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack