An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device which is used by the patients suffering from cardiac arrest. It helps to restore normal heart rhythm. An AED analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm automatically and offers advice to the rescuer as to whether a shock is indeed required to restore a normal heart beat. The heart is said to be ‘defibrillated’ when it resumes its normal beat.

An AED is a life saving device since it treats victims of cardiac arrest and being a sudden condition it is fatal if not met with immediate attention. Heart attacks cause ventricular fibrillation where the electric signals from the lower part of the heart happen to be ineffective and uncoordinated. The heart pumps very little blood to the body and the lungs. If not treated immediately, it results in cardiac arrest.

An AED comprises of a small computer microprocessor, complete with electrodes and electrical circuitry. The electrodes capture information regarding the patient’s heart rhythm and then the micro-processor interprets it. If found abnormal, that is, if the heart is in a ventricular fibrillation, a defibrillating shock is recommended by the microprocessor. The adhesive electrode pads placed on eth victim’s bare chest deliver the shock into the heart. The shock stops all activity momentarily giving the heart a chance to restart its normal electrical activity. The heart beat becomes effective too. The details can be viewed at www.DiscountAEDPads.com

AED is not recommended to a patient who has a pulse. A person who has an idea of CPR can be trained to use an AED. A medical background is not mandatory. It’s most effectual when proper training is combined with equipment maintenance and quality monitoring. An AED is an effective continuity of the CPR. A victim of SCA loses his chances of survival by 7 to 10 percent per minute that passes without defibrillation. When the revival is available within 4 minutes, it ensures the best chance of survival.