Heart Health Preventing Heart Problems

Stopping Cardiac Arrest: Ordinary Heroes

What is an automated external defibrillator?
Automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, are extremely simple little machines that deliver life-saving shocks to the heart. They're about the size of a telephone. Basically they are little minicomputers that, when you attach the pad to the victim's chest and turn on the machine, it automatically analyzes the heart rhythm. If the rhythm is analyzed to be one that would benefit from a shock, the machine gives you a voice prompt to push a button that delivers the shock. It's very simple.

So essentially, the person administering the shock doesn't have to make any medical decisions? Right. They simply have to follow the instructions once they place the pads on the chest.

Who is qualified to use these machines?
There is no credential required. Anyone who completes a course that teaches them how to do it—the American Heart Association offers courses—is qualified to use the AED. All of the AHA courses currently that are geared towards CPR include a section on automated external defibrillators.

Is there any way to actually harm somebody with one of these machines?
There's a theoretical risk. But there's good data that the machines are extremely accurate at identifying shockable rhythms, and there have been no reported adverse events from the use of the AEDs.

Now, remember, most of the information that we have is coming from the use of AEDs by trained providers—like policemen, security guards, flight attendants, doctors, nurses, or respiratory therapists. But there are additional studies and developing information suggesting that even without training, there is the potential to save a life. But at this early stage, there is not enough data to recommend that AEDs be used by people who are not yet trained in their use.

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