AED Defibrillators

A defibrillator is a device used to treat a person who is in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when a person's heart rhythm ceases to beat regularly, resulting in an erratic heartbeat known as arrhythmia. An irregular beat prevents the heart from effectively transporting blood throughout the body, which can have life-threatening consequences. 

When treating an SCA casualty, having a defibrillator on hand can significantly increase their survival rate. A defibrillator, or "defib,” as it is sometimes referred to, delivers a high-energy shock to the heart in an attempt to reset the heart rhythm of someone in sudden cardiac arrest. You may also see defibrillators called automated external defibrillators (AED) or public access defibrillators (PAD).

When a person is in sudden cardiac arrest, their heartbeat is irregular and unable to stabilise. A defibrillator uses a brief, high-energy electrical shock to depolarise the heart muscle. This electrical wave attempts to stabilise the heart’s irregular rhythm, thereby saving the casualty's life. 

Defibrillators are incredibly effective when saving the life of someone in sudden cardiac arrest. Using a defibrillator within three to five minutes will increase the casualty's chances of survival by 50%-70%. A defibrillator will give you the confidence you need to administer potentially life-saving treatment.

There are two types of defibrillators: semi-automatic and fully-automatic. The main difference between the two is that one requires more input from the user.

Fully-automatic defibrillators carry out the procedure with little input from the person delivering the treatment. After the user has placed the pads on the casualty’s chest, the defibrillator will administer the shocks. ​​On the other hand, the semi-automatic defibrillator signals to the user when the casualty needs an electric shock, and someone will need to press a button manually.