Automated External Defibrillator
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layman, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, first responder, and basic life support (BLS) level CPR classes.
Read more about Automated External Defibrillator: Placement and Availability, Preparation For Operation, Mechanism of Operation, Simplicity of Use, Liability, Reliability
Famous quotes containing the words automated and/or external:
“Now, as always, the most automated appliance in a household is the mother.”
—Beverly Jones (b. 1927)
“It can be fairly argued that the highest priority for mankind is to save itself from extinction. However, it can also be argued that a society that neglects its children and robs them of their human potential can extinguish itself without an external enemy.”
—Selma Fraiberg (20th century)